AT FIRST SIGN OF FLU SEASON, DOCTORS PRESCRIBE SHOTS.

Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer

Los Angeles County health officials said Friday that they have received the first report of an influenza A case and are alerting the public that the 2003-04 flu season has begun.

``This appears to be an isolated case. However, it's just a matter of time before there are cases locally and across the state,'' said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, county health officer. ``We urge everyone over the age of 6 months to get their flu shot. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent getting the illness.''

This year's vaccine is designed to protect the public from the influenza strains that are expected to circulate this year.

It generally takes 10 to 14 days before the vaccine becomes fully effective.

Fielding recommends that patients contact their physicians to receive the vaccination. Patients who do not have physicians can contact the county health department's Health Info Line at [phone] for information on low-cost medical clinics throughout the county.

``There is no way to predict whether the flu season will be light or severe, but even if we sound like a broken record it's worth repeating: Get a flu shot,'' Fielding said.

There are also precautions patients with the flu can take to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

``Influenza is extremely contagious,'' said Dr. David Dassey, deputy chief of the Acute Communicable Disease Control Program. ``People with flulike symptoms such as fever, muscle ache and fatigue should stay home during the first three days of their illness to avoid exposing others to the virus. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, eat lightly and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain and fever.''

Aspirin and cold medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (the major ingredient in aspirin) should never be taken for symptoms of possible influenza, since this increases the risk of a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome, especially in children and young adults.

Additional advice includes the common-sense measures most people heard from their parents: Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough and wash your hands frequently with soap and water, Fielding said.

Troy Anderson, [phone]

troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com