LA County reports first flu death of the season
LA County reports first flu death of the season:- California’s first flu-related death of this season occurred in Los Angeles County, prompting state health officials on Thursday to urge residents to get vaccinated.
“As this unfortunate case illustrates, the flu can be deadly and causes thousands of fatalities each year in the United States,” said state public health officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Fortunately, people can get vaccinated to help keep them from getting sick and spreading the flu to others.”
The man who died was under the age of 65 and from the northern part of Los Angeles County. State health officials have received reports of 11 people who required treatment for the flu in intensive care units. There have been five influenza outbreaks in California so far this year.
“Even though influenza activity in California and much of the country is currently at relatively low levels, the occurrence of this death should serve to inform everyone that influenza is now circulating within our county and can potentially cause very serious illness,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, interim health officer for Los Angeles County. “Vaccination is the best method to protect oneself from the flu.”
This season, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new recommendations for vaccines. Only injectable flu shots are recommended this time because the nasal flu spray doesn’t appear to be effective. Vaccinations for people with egg allergies have changed, as well.
“People who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg can get any licensed and recommended flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health,” according to the CDC. Those with symptoms other than hives should receive the vaccine in a medical setting.
The most common strains circulating this year are A/California, A/Hong Kong and a B/Brisbane.
So far, most states across the nation only show sporadic flu activity. But influenza typically takes hold in the months of December and February, according to health officials. Last year, more children were sickened by the flu. There were 85 pediatric deaths nationwide. In Los Angeles County, 70 people died last season.
“Each year, flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths in the United States,” according to state health officials. “To reduce this threat, CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older, including pregnant women.”
Influenza symptoms fever or feeling feverish, a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills and fatigue. Most people with the flu are able to treat themselves at home, health officials said, but in some, the disease can lead to complications including pneumonia, seizures and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart or lung disease.
Free flu shots are available throughout Los Angeles County, including at public libraries. For more information go to publichealth/lacounty.gov or call 2-1-1.
Source:- http://www.dailybreeze.com/health/20161201/la-county-reports-first-flu-death-of-the-season
