Orange County Reports Start of 2021-2022 Influenza Season
October 22, 2021
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed the county’s first case of influenza for the 2021-2022 season. Influenza activity remains low in Orange County at this time, but there are concerns about a more severe influenza season given both the relative dearth of disease and low influenza vaccine uptake during 2020-2021 season. This season will be further complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Providers should be considering testing for both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients presenting with acute respiratory illness, as a positive test for one does not preclude a positive test for the other. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent both influenza and COVID-19 disease.
Provider Reminders:
  • Health care providers should consider influenza and COVID-19 in patients who present with an abrupt onset of fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and/or body aches. The CDC has developed algorithms for clinicians on the testing and treatment of influenza when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating.
  • While droplet and standard precautions are recommended for influenza control, until a diagnosis is established continued adherence to established COVID-19 infection control guidelines are recommended.
  • Influenza vaccines are available for those 6 months of age and older, full recommendations for use this season are available from the CDC. All influenza vaccines available for the 2021-2022 season are quadrivalent (protecting against two influenza A and two influenza B strains) and all may be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines. 
  • Providers should be aware of what testing they have available; multi-plex PCR testing is available that allows for testing for both viruses off a single swab, but if not available separate swabs are need to test for both virus.
  • Antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is hospitalized, has severe, complicated or progressive illness, or is at higher risk of complications from influenza. Treatment should not be delayed while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
  • Rapid diagnostic tests for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 may be falsely negative and do NOT exclude a diagnosis of influenza and or COVID-19.
  • All severe cases of influenza should be reported to Communicable Disease Control Division immediately at 714-834-8180. Severe cases are defined as cases under the age of 65 years admitted to the intensive care unit or who have died.
  • We will be posting weekly Orange County influenza surveillance updates, national, regional and state level data is available at FLUVIEW.
Influenza Vaccination:
  • Annual influenza vaccination along with COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended for all those eligible.
  • Vaccination is particularly important in persons at higher risk for complications of influenza and persons who live with or care for these high-risk individuals.
  • Children aged 6 months through 8 years who have not had at least two doses of influenza vaccine before July 1, 2021 should receive two doses, separated by 4 weeks, for the 2021-22 season.
  • Influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines are readily available throughout the community. 
  • For retail locations, see the HealthMap Vaccine Finder, My Turn, as well as our site.
  • Free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Health Care Agency Family Health Clinic (1725 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana 92706).
  • Starting September 29, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appointment is needed. Flu shots subject to availability. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-914-4887.
  • Flu Mist is not available at Family Health Clinic. Visit vaccinefinder.gov for locations offering Flu Mist.
Contact Information:
For questions or concerns, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.
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