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L.A. County has had its first flu loss of life in a season that well being officers have warned could possibly be extreme.
The county Division of Public Well being confirmed the influenza-associated fatality on Wednesday.
The loss of life occurred in an aged particular person with underlying well being situations who had not acquired a flu vaccination this season, in accordance with the Division of Public Well being.
“We ship our condolences to the household and family members of the individual we misplaced. This tragic loss of life reminds us how critical influenza may be,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County well being officer, stated in a information launch.
Flu exercise is low in the mean time, although it’s prone to enhance with Thanksgiving subsequent week and the vacation season, which generally includes extra airplane journey and indoor gatherings.
Final yr’s flu season was the worst California had seen in years — and state well being officers have already warned that this yr could possibly be simply as unhealthy.
Well being consultants, together with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, advocate an annual flu vaccination for everybody older than 6 months.
Nationwide, the variety of youngsters who died from flu final season — 280 — was the best in about 15 years, in accordance with one report. About 9 in 10 of these youngsters weren’t vaccinated, officers stated.
The flu vaccine may be administered concurrently the COVID-19 vaccine and takes two weeks for cover to develop.
“You can too cut back your danger by taking easy however highly effective steps,” Davis stated. “[W]ash your fingers incessantly, keep dwelling and away from others whenever you really feel sick, and put on a well-fitting masks in crowded indoor areas, round individuals at larger danger, or at any time when you may have signs.”
As respiratory virus exercise will increase in L.A. County, the Division of Public Well being additionally recommends that everybody 6 months and older obtain an up to date COVID-19 vaccine. RSV immunization can be beneficial for older adults, pregnant individuals and infants.
L.A. County residents can discover a vaccine website close to them by visiting the division’s web site.
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