Solano County Sees 1st Death of 2016-2017 Flu Season

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- Solano County health officials have confirmed the first influenza death in the county for the 2016-2017 flu season.

The person was under 65 years old and had a medical condition that put the victim at risk of severe illness, Solano County Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Stacey said Jan. 4.

There have been three reports of flu-associated deaths in patients under age 65 in California since Dec. 24, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Influenza activity in California is increasing with most activity in Northern and Central California and the Bay Area, state public health officials said.

Influenza in the United States normally peaks in December through February and can continue until May. It is mild in most people but can be a severe infection that results in hospitalization and death.

Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone six months of age or older. People at risk of complications include children younger than five years old, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart or lung
disease, diabetes or weakened a immune system, according to health officials.

Other precautions to avoid the flu include washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when ill and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Solano County health officials are offering free flu vaccinations at the Kroc Center at 586 East Wigeon Way in Suisun City 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 28.

Other flu shot locations are available at http://VaccineFinder.org.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock