As flu deaths and activity are increasing worldwide in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reminding people of flu shot benefits.

“Continue spreading holiday cheer and not the flu,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, interim health officer for Los Angeles County.

While seasonal influenza viruses can be detected year-round in the United States, they are most common during the fall and winter, according to the CDC.

Flu season often begins in October, peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May, said the agency.

“Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” said Gunzenhauser.

During the 2016-2017 season, there were 77 confirmed deaths caused by influenza in Los Angeles County, according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health.

The CDC reports that influenza activity has increased significantly in recent weeks and is now widespread in the state of California.

Most people who get the flu shot, if they get sick at all, “will have mild illness, will not need medical or antiviral drugs and will recover in less than two weeks,” said the CDC.

Other people can have possible complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

New estimates from a study by the CDC and global health partners published in The Lancet reveal that between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each year.

“These findings remind us of the seriousness of flu and that flu prevention should really be a global priority,” says Joe Bresee, M.D., associate director for global health in CDC’s Influenza Division and a study co-author.

People who are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications include children younger than five, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, women up to two weeks postpartum, and residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

People who have medical conditions such as asthma, neurological conditions, lung and heart disease, blood disorders, liver and kidney disorders and obesity are also at risk.

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations in places like Santa Clarita, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers and even in some schools, according to the CDC.

“Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full immunity, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce their risk for getting the flu,” said Gunzenhauser.

To find a flu vaccine clinic in Santa Clarita, use the Vaccine Finder provided by the CDC.

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