"Flu season is showing no signs of slowing down in California, with every region experiencing either high or very high levels of flu. In the Bay Area, the number of people testing positive for the virus has hit a new seasonal high, with 18.99% of flu tests coming back positive through Jan. 31, according to the latest numbers from the California Department of Public Health."
"While most people with the flu likely have influenza type A, which includes the strain dubbed the "super flu," there are signs that another flu strain is on the rise. In recent weeks, the California Department of Public Health has reported an increasing number of flu samples are coming back positive for influenza type B. High levels of influenza type B have also been found in wastewater samples from the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant in San Francisco in recent days."
Flu activity across California remains high or very high in every region. Bay Area flu test positivity reached 18.99% through Jan. 31. Central California and rural Northern California reported the highest positivity rates, about 23% and 26% respectively. Most infections are influenza A, including the 'super flu,' but influenza B detections have increased in clinical samples and wastewater. A second strain can surge midseason, and influenza B is distinct from A, so reinfection in a single season is possible. Influenza B may cause headache or sore throat more often. Vaccination protects against both A and B even late in the season. Large gatherings can amplify spread.
Read at SFGATE
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