Logo courtesy of Solano County

SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division is urging residents to get vaccinated following a sharp early increase in flu cases across Solano County. With other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), continuing to circulate, Public Health encourages residents to take preventive measures throughout the respiratory virus season. 

“We are seeing over six times as many flu cases in Solano County compared to this time last year, and we are very early in the season,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, acting health officer for Solano County. “Virtually everyone benefits from getting vaccinated against influenza, even if you’re usually well. Just one flu shot this season can reduce your risk of getting sick and greatly reduce your risk of ending up in the hospital. Get vaccinated now.” 

Solano Public Health encourages residents to take the following precautions.

Get vaccinated 

Vaccines are the best protection against infection. Vaccines are safe and effectively reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.  

Everyone six months and older should get the flu shot each year. Each updated vaccine adds another layer of protection against respiratory viruses. 

The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective once administered. Getting vaccinated now gives your body time to build protection as respiratory virus season picks up. 

The West Coast Health Alliance also recommends all children from 6-23 months of age get a COVID-19 shot, along with anyone two years of age and up with risk factors or concerned about illness, and everyone 65 years of age and older. If you are regularly in close contact with someone with medical risk factors, you should get a COVID shot too. 

You can get a COVID-19 shot and a flu shot at the same time. 

Ask your medical provider about RSV vaccination if they have not been vaccinated previously for very young children, pregnant individuals or older adults. 

Prevent the spread of illnesses  

Wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

If you are at greater risk, consider wearing a good quality well-fitting mask, such as a KN95, indoors and around larger groups of people. 

Cover your coughs and sneezes. If sick, refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 

Stay home until symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. 

Seek treatment early 

Certain groups of people may experience complications from the flu and COVID-19. These groups include pregnant women, children younger than five years old, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes. 

Doctors can prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as symptoms develop, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. 

Anyone who is very sick should go to the emergency room for treatment. 

Where to get vaccinated

Residents seeking vaccination against the flu and other respiratory illnesses can contact their healthcare provider or local pharmacy. Additional vaccination locations can be found through Vaccines.gov or MyTurn.ca.gov. To locate more places offering vaccines locally, visit the Solano County Immunization Program page for information on free or low-cost community clinics and upcoming vaccination events. 

For more information

For the latest science-based vaccination recommendations for respiratory viruses, residents can refer to guidance established by the California Department of Public Health and West Coast Health Alliance. To monitor local trends in flu and other respiratory illnesses, residents can access weekly updates through Solano County’s respiratory virus surveillance reports.