Flu Outbreak in California

For weeks now we've been talking about the flu in other parts of the country, but now, the seasonal flu is finally hitting California.

So far it's killed five people in California, including a 61-year-old woman from Madera County.

This year the strain of flu that doctors are seeing in California is one that presents some of the most severe symptoms.

They include fever, sore throat and body aches.

The past two flu seasons in California have been fairly mild, but this one is poised to be the worst in several years.

"We started seeing cases a couple weeks ago and so our numbers have jumped," Dr. Lisa Winston said.

Drug makers produced about 135 million doses of the flu vaccine this year.

There are less than 7 million left.

Health departments across the state aren't reporting a shortage of vaccine, but because the flu is hitting here later than the rest of the country supplies could begin to run low.

"California like the rest of the country, has vaccine and some of the health departments and hospitals are organizing larger vaccination clinics to make it easy and quick, but even there, some people will have some difficulty in finding vaccine," Dr. William Schaffner said.

"I always get one, and I've got a new grandchild and I want to make sure I get vaccinated so i don't bring anything to the house," Bob Pierson said.

Doctors say this year's vaccine is 62% effective and lessens the symptoms if you get the flu.

"For most people, flu is a self limiting illness. It won't be any fun, but they would get over it at home," Winston said.

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Reported by: Ken Malloy