Coachella Valley flu season update; worst “could be yet to come”

At Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, they are expressing relief that the flu season this year is nothing like it was last year.

But, Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, the Medical Director of the Emergency Department says things can change in a hurry, and would not be surprised if there is a sudden uptick in the number of patients seeking treatment before this season is over in April.

He also said “the worst could be yet to come”.

“Last year was one of the biggest ever for the flu. So this year we are seeing what feels like a reduction in cases,” said Kontaxis.

While saying its hard to pinpoint the reason why hospital visits are down this year, he does believe this year’s vaccine is proving more effective than what was offered last year.

“i know the genetics of the flu vaccine are similar to last year, so the vaccine may be more tailored to this type of flu,” said Kontaxis.

Last year at this time, Doctor Kontaxis says the the number of flu patients coming to the E.R was upwards of 30 a day. This year, the average is one or two.

Meanwhile, at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio, a media relations rep tells us they are “seeing more patients presenting flu symptoms this year, compared to last year. But, far fewer people are being admitted to the hospitals”.

Around Riverside County, the news is relatively good as well.

The head of the health department says that while the number of flu cases across the county is slightly above historical averages, the cases are “far fewer” compared to last year.

Also, the current death toll is down from ten, compared to this point in the flu season last year.

“Year-to-date, we are up to three, and that includes the pediatric case we recently announced in the media,” said Riverside County Health Officer, Dr. Cameron Kaiser.

That case was a 4-year-old girl from southwestern Riverside County, who died two weeks ago.

County officials say she did not have any reported underlying conditions.

To prevent the spread of the flu virus, Dr. Kontaxis recommends frequent hand washing, coughing into your shoulder, and even wearing a face mask, if you find yourself around sick people, or if you have to board a flight.

He also says getting a flu vaccination now, if you haven’t done so already, can be helpful in keeping yourself healthy.