First Flu Deaths Of 2019-20 Flu Season Confirmed In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Health officials have confirmed the first two flu-related deaths of the 2019-20 flu season in Marin County.

The first flu death of the season happened in a hospital in late November, according to the Marin County Public Health Department. A second flu-related death happened in the first week of December.

At least 24 people in California, including three children, died from the flu between
Sept. 29 and Dec. 7, according to the California Department of Public Health.

"This is an important reminder to get vaccinated if you haven't yet," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's public health officer. "Flu can be a very serious, especially for our older residents, and the vaccine is our best defense."

County health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly advise the annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, especially in demographics with a heightened risk of serious complications, such as children, people age 65 or older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease.

Socializing at gatherings and traveling during the holiday season can lead to increased opportunities to spread the illness, Willis said.

"The vaccine is a great way to make sure we're not sharing the flu when we get together," Willis said.

Symptoms of the flu include a fever that can last three to four days, severe muscle or body aches, chills, chest discomfort, cough, headaches and fatigue. Health officials said people who are not seriously ill should stay home, drink fluids and take medicine for a fever.