Marin County Reports First Flu Death Of Season

MARIN COUNTY, CA -- As the flu death toll climbs in California, the first flu-related death of the season in Marin County has been confirmed, county public health officials said Friday.

The person who died in the county was under 65 years old. It is not known if the deceased had been vaccinated.

To date, the flu has already been linked to more statewide deaths than last year. California has had 27 flu deaths in those under age 65 compared with three deaths last year.

Flu cases have skyrocketed throughout the state this season.

Locally, there have been 176 positive flu tests in Marin County hospitals from October 2017 through December 2017 compared with 128 during the same period last year, according to the county's Department of Health and Human Services.

The flu strain A(H3N2) that is circulating in Marin is known to cause more hospitalizations and deaths, according to health officials.

People at higher risk for complications should contact their medical provider if they develop flu symptoms. Those at higher risk include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children under age 2 and people over 65.

Flu symptoms include fever that last three or four days, severe muscle or body aches, chills, severe chest discomfort and cough, headaches and fatigue.

County health officials recommend that residents who are not seriously ill stay home, drink fluids and take medicine for fever. People should monitor their own symptoms and contact their medical provider if symptoms get worse, officials said.

"For children and adults with the flu, the best thing they can do is stay home and rest," said Lisa Santora, the county's deputy public health officer. "If they are worried about their condition, they should call their medical provider. Going to the hospital strains emergency resources and decreases our ability to provide prompt, emergent care for those most in need."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop, health officials said.

"The influenza vaccination is the best way to protect your family from complications of influenza," said county health officer Matt Willis. "It's not too late to get vaccinated. Even if the vaccine does not prevent you from getting the flu, it will make it less likely for you to become seriously ill or require hospitalization."

Health officials recommend that people take the following additional steps to protect themselves and others from the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since hands may become contaminated with live influenza virus.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you sneeze or cough.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

For more information about influenza visit marinflu.org or the CDPH influenza web page. To find a flu vaccine at a location near you, visit marinflu.org or the Vaccine Finder.

Also see:

27 Under Age Of 65 Die From Flu In California: Report

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