5th Flu Death In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — A fifth person has died in Santa Clara County from the flu this season, health officials announced today, as a widespread outbreak keeps ambulances busy and hospital emergency rooms packed. The latest victim was under the age of 65 and, like the others, had not been vaccinated.

As a comparison, there were only two flu deaths all last season and six the season before. The flu season runs from October through April.

“We see increased flu activity with the higher daily ambulance traffic to hospitals. Typically we have 220 emergency medical transports a day. In December 2017 there were 240 daily transports,” commented Dr. Kenneth Miller, Medical Director of the Emergency Medical Systems Agency. “And so far this year, January 1 to 10, 2018, we averaged 264 daily transports to local hospitals....Needless to say, emergency departments are extremely busy and wait times are long.”

Rather than rushing to the hospital, the Emergency Medical Services Agency, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), and the Public Health Department all recommended that people who are not seriously ill simply stay home, drink fluids, and take medicine for your fever. If your symptoms get worse, they say, then you should call your doctor.

“For the vast majority of us who are not in a risk group, we will get better,” said Dr. Jeffery Leinen, Medical Director, SCVMC Emergency Department. “If you’re sick, stay home and take care of yourself. But if you are seriously ill and at risk for complications from the flu, contact your medical provider because you may need additional treatment or hospital care.”

>>Also See: Please Don't Help My Kids

However, it's scary for parents to be told to just keep your children at home when flu deaths are rising. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these guidelines for seeking emergency treatment:

What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness?

In children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

• Being unable to eat
• Has trouble breathing
• Has no tears when crying
• Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

In adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

The County Health Department is also recommending that you get a flu shot if you haven't already. Previously, it was reported that this year's flu shot was only 10 percent effective. However, the latest evaluation is 30 percent.

>>Related: First Solano Co. Flu Death Of Season Reported

>>Related: California's Deadliest Flu Season In A Decade Claims Dozens

>>Related: You Are Probably Washing Your Hands Wrong: Proper Hand Hygiene 101

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)