First Flu-Associated Death of The Year Confirmed in Riverside County

By City News Service:

Flu-related illness claimed the life of a 47-year-old Riverside County man -- the first county resident to die from the virus this year -- health officials said this week.

The county Department of Public Health said the victim, whose name was not released, died last week at a hospital in the Riverside metropolitan area. Along with the flu, he was battling other health disorders that officials would not disclose.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said it was not known whether the man had received a flu shot.

“It’s a tragic reminder that flu can still be fatal, and flu deaths aren’t rare,” Kaiser said. “Flu shots are cheap and safe, and nearly everyone can get one. That way you may not get sick in the first place.”

Health officials characterized the current influenza season as “normal.” During the 2014-15 influenza season, 26 county residents died from flu-related complications -- the exact number as the prior season, officials said.

According to the California Department of Public Health, in the current flu season, there have been three confirmed influenza-related deaths among residents 64 years and younger.

Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control said those at highest risk of developing potential life-threatening conditions stemming from flu include the elderly, pregnant women, small children and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease.

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