Dr. Kenny Banh, medical director for UCSF Fresno Mobile Health, is an emergency medicine doctor who assisted patients during the mobile health program launch in February 2023. Photo by Alex Scott

The California Department of Public Health is warning that influenza activity and hospital admissions are rising statewide as a newly emerged influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K, circulates around the world and has been detected in the state.

State Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said current seasonal vaccines still “remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses.” She added that vaccines, tests and treatments remain widely available.

Pan said that it is not too late to get vaccinated and noted she has ensured her own family is protected.

The department confirmed the second pediatric flu-associated fatality in California this season; officials are urging vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, rapid testing for symptomatic individuals at risk for severe disease and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk and hospitalized patients.

Local clinicians reinforced prevention messaging as flu circulation increases.

“Annual influenza vaccinations show significant reduction in infections but also for those who do get infected despite vaccination show a reduction in duration and severity of symptoms as well as a reduction in hospitalizations and mortality,” said UCSF Fresno Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine Dr. Kenny Banh.

Banh also advised avoiding close contact in poorly ventilated settings, practicing hand hygiene and covering the mouth and nose — including through masking or coughing into an elbow — to reduce transmission.

CDPH encourages Californians to schedule flu shots through health care providers, local pharmacies, or myturn.ca.gov. Residents are also urged to check CDC resources for additional prevention guidance.