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Around The Glen
Flu shots are available but vaccine is scarce
Be extra careful about staying warm and healthy this winter, county health professionals say.
This year's flu vaccine is in short supply, and while people can still get the shot, Vice President of the Hospital Council in the South Bay Barbara Harrelson said they are encouraging only those who really need it to get it.
"There has been a shortage of the flu vaccine around the country," she said.
Harrelson said that seniors, people with chronic diseases and health-care professionals are prioritized targets for the vaccine until more becomes available for everyone else. The flu season runs from Dec. 1 through March, she said.
The Hospital Council and the county Public Health Department are collaborating to get the word out about the flu shots to those who need it the most, along with how to avoid getting the flu and what to do if you do catch the virus.
The reasons for the new collaborative effort are the shortage of vaccine and nurses and the overuse of hospital emergency rooms.
Health officials advise that people should wash their hands often, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, eat healthy foods, drink lots of liquids and get plenty of rest. The flu is contagious, so avoid close contact with people who are sick or if you are sick. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headache, extreme fatigue and muscle aches, and can include vomiting and diarrhea. Difficulty breathing, vision changes, sudden severe pain, severe vomiting or an altered mental status are symptoms that should be seen by a doctor immediately.
To avoid a visit to the emergency room, see your doctor at the first sign of flu symptoms.
Flu shots will be available at Longs Drugs in Willow Glen, 4550 Meridian Ave., on Nov. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. and at O'Connor Hospital's Senior Health Fair, 2105 Forest Avenue, on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
--Kate Carter
History San Jose sites giving holiday tours
San Jose residents can take a tour and see how San Joseans of yore celebrated the holidays.
History San Jose's History Park and the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site will be decorated in period finery to be enjoyed by those who want to do a little something different this holiday season.
"It's not a traditional tour," said History San Jose spokeswoman Cecilia Clark. "It's a nice break from Christmas shopping and it doesn't have to be a huge time investment."
The tour begins in the Peralta Adobe that will be decorated in the simple style of an early California Christmas, Clark said. Visitors will sing songs of the traditional Posada and hear stories while eating treats on the porch.
"It's a stark contrast to the Victorian era," Clark said, which is where visitors will be transported as they end the tour at the ornately decorated Fallon House. Volunteers will be on hand, dressed in period costumes, and guests will be entertained with storytelling, songs and food in the Victorian home's parlor.
The tour runs on Dec. 10 and 17, at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The shop will sell tickets starting at noon. Cost is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for youth 6 to 17 years old; children under 5 are free.
Parking is available at the Fallon House and a free parking lot on San Pedro Street. The decorations can be viewed without a tour from Nov. 28 to Jan. 3, from Tues. through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
For more information, call 408.287.2290, or visit www.historysanjose.org.
--Kate Carter
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
