California's Deadliest Flu Season In A Decade Claims Dozens

LOS ANGELES, CA — The deadliest flu season to hit California in a decade has already claimed dozens of lives, and state and local health officials Wednesday urged residents to get vaccinated as the outbreak ramps up.

Statewide since October, 27 people under the age of 65 have died from the flu compared with less than four during the same time last year. When seniors are included in the count, the flu appears even deadlier. For example, in Los Angeles County, 36 people have already died from complications of the flu compared to 13 at the same time last year. Emergency room visits due to flu are up 130 percent from last year, health department officials said.

“This appears to be one of the worst seasons we’ve had in the last 10 years,” state epidemiologist Dr. Gil Chavez told reporters. “We’re early, and we’re trending up.”

Some national experts predict this could be one of the worst flu seasons ever. Some states such as Arizona have already experienced a 758 percent increase in flu infections over this time last year, and the Centers for Disease Control reports the flu is also widespread in 46 states, including California, CNBC reported.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the especially virulent strain of influenza A known as H3N2 is to blame. The strand is known as the “Aussie flu” because of the record number of people sickened by the virus in Australia, the newspaper reported.

"A single influenza infection can cause serious health problems," said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, LA County's interim health director. "It's less likely for those without chronic diseases, but it's still a possibility. And also everyone should realize that if you do develop the flu, you can spread it to others, including your family members, coworkers and others in the community. So for those reasons, we really encourage everyone six months of age or older to get the vaccine."

Health officials statewide said people who experience flu symptoms -- fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches or nasal congestion -- should contact their doctor. They also stressed the need for people to stay home from school or work if they get sick.

"It's very important for people who are sick to be able to stay home," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the county Department of Public Health. "And that requires the cooperation of so many of our business partners. People need to be allowed to stay home when they're sick, and they need to be allowed to stay home to care for their young children when they are sick.

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"There are way too many people who are showing up in the workplace and in our schools with symptoms of influenza, and we need to make it easy for those people to take care of themselves and stay home and take appropriate precautions," she said.

Gunzenhauser stressed it is not too late to get vaccinated.

"There's still time for every person who's six months of age or older in Los Angeles County to still receive the flu vaccine, but time is short and we hope you get vaccinated soon if you haven't," he said.

Vaccinations appear to be in abundant supply, but there have been reports of shortages for the treatment of people already infected with the flu. Tamiflu, a treatment prescribed by emergency room doctors for high-risk flu patients has exceeded demand at several clinics and pharmacies.

The problem appears to be a distribution issue rather than a shortage according to state officials. Many were simply unprepared for such a rough flu season.

B&B Pharmacy in Yorba Linda has been flooded with demand for the medication. Pharmacist Jim Negrete told the Los Angeles Times he's already sold Tamiflu to 200 patients compared to 10 in a typical season.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)