Year's First Two Flu Deaths Confirmed In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Health officials Thursday confirmed the first two flu- related deaths in Los Angeles County for the 2017-18 flu season, and again urged residents to get vaccinated.

The two patients were a middle-aged woman and an "elderly" man, and both had underlying health conditions, according to the county Department of Public Health.

"Although most people with flu will recover without problems, these two deaths are a reminder that the flu can be a serious illness," said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the county's interim health officer. "Vaccination is the best method to protect yourself and those around you from the flu."

Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. They noted that generally healthy people who don't feel the need to be vaccinated should still do so to reduce the chance of acquiring and transmitting flu to others.

People considered at highest risk of flu complications are children under 5, adults 65 and older and pregnant women. People with conditions such as asthma, chronic lung or heart disease and diabetes are also considered to be at higher risk.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Information about the flu and where to obtain vaccinations is available online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock