Faculty, staff and students can still get a flu shot at drop-in clinics at two UCSF locations.
Flu activity across California has declined from widespread to regional, according to weekly estimates reported by state epidemiologists. Although the number of flu cases this season may have peaked, the flu season is not yet over.
To be on the safe side, it's still a good idea to get a vaccination and be protected. This year's vaccine is a good match for the type of virus that is circulating.
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.
For this reason, it is important to remember to practice frequent hand washing and respiratory etiquette -- covering your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze. More information about the prevention and control of influenza is available on the
CDC website.
Free vaccine is available at drop-in flu shot clinics for UCSF staff, faculty, and students. UCSF identification is required. Flu shots are available at the following locations:
Parnassus campus: Employee Health Satellite Vaccine Clinic, 350 Parnassus Ave., Room 206, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m.
Mount Zion campus: Employee & Occupational Health Clinic, 2380 Sutter St., third floor, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.
In related news, the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) recently released a draft pandemic influenza preparedness and response plan. The CDHS is seeking comments on the plan, which is available online
here.
Online public comments on the plan are welcome through Friday, Feb. 24.
Source: Lisa Cisneros
