First Official California Flu Death Reported in the Bay Area

The first flu death of a person under 65 years of age of the season was reported in Santa Clara County, the California Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

The death serves as a reminder that influenza can cause serious illness or death, State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said.

“As California’s public health officer, I am troubled when the flu turns into loss of life,” Dr. Smith said. “It doesn’t have to. That’s why I urge you to get your flu shot. By getting vaccinated, you can keep yourself healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.”

Flu activities in California remain sporadic, but Dr. Smith said the virus is peak levels from December through April.

“Now is a good time to be vaccinated before the flu really spreads widely,” said Dr. Smith.

There were 78 influenza-related deaths in the 2014-15 flu season, according to the CDPH.

Only deaths in persons under age 65 are reported to CDPH so the number of flu deaths could be higher. Earlier this week, a 90-year-old man in San Diego County died from complications of flu.

Thousands of people are hospitalized each year and thousands more die of influenza-related causes, according to the CDPH.

People can reduce their risk by getting a flu vaccine, the CDPH said. This season’s vaccine have proven to be effective against this year’s strain, the CDPH said.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, Californians should also:

• Stay home when sick
• Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue and properly dispose of the used tissue
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Dr. Smith encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician office, clinic or pharmacy about obtaining the flu vaccine.

Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.To find a flu vaccine location near you, visit www.flu.gov.