Flu season is the time of year when the flu virus is most common. Flu season usually begins when cold weather appears. Why? There’s no apparent reason. It’s simply a characteristic of the flu and the timing of the seasons. Outbreaks of the flu occur in different seasonal patterns around the world. In temperate climate zones, flu season will typically begin in the late fall and peak in mid-to-late winter. In tropical zones, flu seasons appear to be less pronounced, with year-round isolation of the virus.
Annual outbreaks of seasonal flu usually occur during the fall through early spring. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu. Flu-related deaths range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average 23,600). A seasonal flu vaccine is available. The overall health impact of the flu varies from year to year. Unfortunately, rates of infection, hospitalizations, and deaths can’t be predicted, but by identifying flu symptoms, and knowing about flu treatment and flu prevention options, you can be better prepared to face the flu season. Don’t have the flu and don’t want to get it? There are some simple health habits you can work into your life to minimize the chances of getting the flu.
The flu virus can spread by direct contact, such as sharing drinks, or through indirect contact, such as when an infected coworker sneezes on her hands and touches an object like the lunchroom microwave door. The influenza virus can live for 2 to 8 hours on surfaces. During flu season, everyone should wash their hands frequently to reduce the risk of transmitting germs to others.
When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (not your hands), and be sure to throw the tissue away immediately. You can also cough into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue handy. Hand sanitizers can also help. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to keep germs away.
TCC’s New and Continuing Programs
Central Long Beach is the focus of a strategic investment by The California Endowment over the next ten years. The project will address the root causes and systems that impact the health of children and youth in low-income communities and will link community-level success to a broader statewide policy and advocacy agenda. TCC Asthma Programs This program is dedicated to reduce poor health outcomes among patients with asthma, through education, home visits and clinic quality improvement. The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma (LBACA) is a community group founded by TCC’s CEO that has brought these same interventions to other health providers and the community. TCC also leads a Coalition with St. John’s Well Child & Family Center and LBACA providing similar services to address asthma in communities impacted by oil refineries.
LBAFF is dedicated to creating a community that supports increasing access to quality, affordable healthy food and promoting an environment that supports healthy food choices; increasing access to and utilization of physical activity opportunities; and promoting an environment that supports active living among low-income children. UCLA Early Developmental Screening Initiative A partnership with health care and early intervention/education providers to improve early recognition of young children with developmental or behavioral concerns.
TCC is participating in LA Care’s Patient Centered Medical Home two-year pilot program, which provides technical assistance, and evaluation to transform health care practices into patient centered medical homes.
Healthy Tomorrows is a Mental Health Partnership for Children Project to improve children’s mental health through screening, convening mental health partners in the community, training clinic staff, and a Mental Health Social Worker who links children to mental health providers in the community for services.
Two grass-roots, community groups supported by TCC that engages parents and community members in leadership development, advocacy, health promotion, and provides classes to promote healthy lifestyles and to prevent isolation.
A program designed to promote achievable lifestyle changes to mitigate the impact of obesity through educational materials, referrals to partnering programs, and a community garden and fitness classes at Cesar Chavez Elementary School. TCC also has an Employee Wellness Program that promotes healthy potlucks, exercise programs and stress management education that will then enable staff to provide improved healthy life programs for their patients. Community Health Worker (CHW) Program Specially-trained Community Health Workers (CHW’s) provide on-site and in-home, culturally appropriate health education, assistance with care coordination, chronic disease management education classes and one-on-one consultations.
This initiative aims to identify uncontrolled adult diabetes patients and refer them to a care coordinator who provides culturally-competent case management and education on nutrition, exercise, medications, disease measures and compliance.
TCC leads a coalition (including other clinics and a public hospital) to improve access to specialty care for the underserved and uninsured.
TCC’s new Medical Legal Partnership program provides our patients with access to needed legal services and advocacy.
A program that provides literacy promotion to children and their families and includes volunteers reading to children in clinic lobby and book giveaways.
TCC is an educational site for residents from UC Irvine Medical School, nursing students, youth workers, and masters-level social work students.
