'Game on': Bay Area now epicenter of California flu cases

Key Points:

• The Bay Area is experiencing an early and significant surge in flu cases, with San Francisco reporting its first flu-related death and hospitalizations rising sharply from 0.12 to 2.39 per 100,000 residents since mid-September.
• Flu activity, detected in local wastewater and through testing, is currently at its highest level in the state, with nearly 10% test positivity, an unusual early spike compared to previous years when flu rates peaked closer to December.
• Experts emphasize the seriousness of the flu, especially for high-risk groups like young children, and strongly recommend vaccination, noting that a new mRNA flu vaccine is available this season alongside traditional options.
• The flu season’s early start could lead to either an earlier end or a prolonged season lasting into spring, potentially increasing overall cases, while COVID-19 continues to circulate at high levels, raising concerns about co-infections.
• Health officials advise those who become ill with flu symptoms to seek medical advice promptly, consider antiviral treatments, and urge everyone over six months old to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness.