For Immediate Release:

December 22, 2014

LOS ANGELES – The first influenza-associated death for the 2014-2015 flu season has been reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health). The decedent was an elderly female with underlying medical conditions who resided in the Pomona Valley. Testing identified this particular strain as type B.

“Even though we are well within flu season it’s not too late to get your flu vaccination,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Give yourself, your family, friends and community the gift of health by doing what you can to prevent influenza. Get vaccinated. While we may not be able to predict the severity of flu this season, there are indications that it may get worse. If an infant, pregnant woman, older person or anyone with chronic medical conditions develops symptoms that could be the flu, make sure they are evaluated quickly. Preventive measures such as washing your hands and staying home when you are ill will help to reduce the spread of flu to others.”

According to recent surveillance, flu activity is showing some increase within the last few weeks in Los Angeles County and may continue to increase as the season progresses. The peak of the season may occur in January or February. The predominant influenza virus types identified this year are types A H3N2, and lower levels of influenza A H1N1 and influenza B. The current vaccine remains protective against a number of the strains circulating in Los Angeles County.

Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourage influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Getting vaccinated for influenza protects not only the person who receives the vaccine but also reduces the chance that they will spread flu to family members and friends. This is particularly important for those who are at increased risk of severe influenza, or are in close contact with people who are at a higher risk, which includes infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons who have chronic illnesses, obesity, or conditions that reduce the ability to fight infections.

It is especially important for persons at higher risk to seek medical evaluation early if they suspect they have the flu so that they can be considered for antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are particularly effective in treating influenza when they are started soon after symptoms begin. The CDC recommends that antiviral treatment be considered for people at high-risk for severe influenza if they develop a flu-like illness, even before it has been confirmed to be influenza. Although each influenza season is different, CDC estimates that an average of 24,000 influenza related deaths occur in the U.S. each year.

Key Points:

• Public Health and the CDC continue to recommend vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.

• Practice basic hygiene to help reduce the chance of catching the flu.

• Healthcare providers should consider antiviral medications for treatment and prevention of influenza, particularly among people at high-risk for severe influenza.

Resources:

• Information about the flu can be found at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/FluSurveillance.htm

• Information from the CDC about the flu can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/flu/flulocatormain.htm for:

• A list of Public Health’s flu vaccination locations

• A searchable map of pharmacies offering flu vaccines

• A list of community clinics that offer vaccines at no-cost or a reduced cost

• Influenza educational materials

Residents may also call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to flu vaccination sites.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.

---

#####