Health experts on flu season: ‘I think the worst is yet to come’

Flu is widespread in 46 states throughout the country, especially among young kids. Health experts on the Central Coast said cases are increasing and the worst is yet to come.

Sandy Hall has been running a day care in Salinas for 36 years, a former nurse, she’s passionate when it comes to flu protection.

“I put their toys in the dishwasher. I wash their toys nightly with a combination of a gallon of water and a half a cup of Clorox bleach,” said Hall.

According to health experts, children under the age of five are hospitalized most for influenza. So far in the United States 19 children have died from the flu.

“Children are very vulnerable because they become dehydrated very easily,” said Registered Nurse Andrea Zoodsma.

Zoodsma said the spike in flu cases is due to a certain strain not covered by this year’s flu vaccine.

In Monterey County, two people under the age of 65 have been hospitalized for the flu this year. In Santa Cruz County, four people under the age of 65 have been sent to the ICU with confirmed flu cases. And as we enter the peak flu season, local health experts expect those numbers to go up.

“California has not reached a high level yet so I think the worst is yet to come for us,” said Zoodsma.

But caretakers like Sandy Hall said they’re prepared.

“I make sure their bedding is washed every night, and their pillows are washed every night – And wash your hands, wash your hands, until you think they will fall off,” said Hall.

Although health officials are saying this year’s flu vaccine is only 23% effective – it still does protect against four other strains of the virus. So health experts are still encouraging people to get vaccinated.