Updated 1:16 P.M.:
By Bay City News Service and Patch Staff — Two new flu-related deaths were reporting on Thursday, bringing the known total of deaths around the Bay Area to eight so far this flu season.
On Thursday it was reported that a woman in her 40s in San Mateo County died, and that an Alameda County resident died in December. On Wednesday it was reported that two recent deaths in Marin County have been linked to the flu and another two in Santa Cruz County.
Both were hospitalized in intensive care, and neither had received a flu vaccine, Willis said. 18 people have been hospitalized and one has died from flu-related complications in Contra Costa County.
Public health officials are urging residents to get a flu shot if they haven't already. (Click here to find a flu shot provider nearest you.) This year's vaccine protects against H1N1 and other influenza strains.
Here's a list of flu symptoms.
Other preventive measures include covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and discarding them in a trash receptacle, scrubbing hands often with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand cleaners, and staying home from work or school if you have flu-like symptoms.
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