Pasadena Public Health Department Urges Community to Get Flu Vaccine as Cases Rise

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) urges everyone to protect themselves by getting the flu vaccine as cases and hospital admissions increase across the nation, including California. A new strain of influenza, known as Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, is spreading worldwide and has been detected in California. Most flu cases in California that have been tested are caused by H3N2.

PPHD encourages everyone to take steps now to protect themselves and their families. Everyone 6 months and older who has not yet received a flu shot is encouraged to get fully vaccinated.

"Getting vaccinated and quickly starting treatment if you are sick are the best ways to avoid serious illness and hospital stays," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer.

It's not too late to get vaccinated. The 2025-26 flu vaccine can help prevent severe illness if you catch the flu. Current influenza vaccines are expected to offer protection against severe disease, lowering people's risk of hospitalization.

What To Do If You Get Sick:

• Get tested as soon as possible if you have flu-like symptoms.
• If you are at high risk for serious illness, consult with your healthcare provider and start antiviral medicine right away. Do not wait for test results. Medicines like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or baloxavir can help you recover faster and avoid potential complications.
• Stay home if sick until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication to prevent spread of influenza viruses.

"As flu cases rise, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated and seek care as soon as possible if you are feeling sick," said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. "These steps can help keep you and our community healthy."

Stay Informed

You can check flu activity in California by visiting the California Department of Public Health Respiratory Virus Dashboard.

To get your flu shot, contact your doctor, local pharmacy, or visit MyTurn.ca.gov.