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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

January 13, 2011

First Flu-Related Deaths of 2010-2011 Influenza Season Reported
Flu claims the lives of three in LA County, highlighting the continued need for vaccination for everyone

LOS ANGELES - At least three people died from flu in the past two weeks, marking the first deaths of the 2010-2011 influenza season, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported today. In an average flu season, which lasts from fall to late spring, flu claims an estimated 1,000 deaths in LA County.

"This is an unfortunate reminder that flu is a serious, potentially deadly illness that is also vaccine- preventable," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "We're approaching the time of year when we typically see peak numbers of flu cases. There is still time to get a flu shot or the flu mist nasal spray vaccine and to protect yourself, your loved ones and those around you from this illness. The flu season does not end with the winter holidays, and flu can circulate as late as May."

The three individuals who died were a 48-year-old man, a 29- year-old woman, and a four-year-old boy. The adults were both obese, which is a newly-described risk factor for complications from influenza. All died from a vaccine- preventable strain of the flu. It was not immediately known whether any of them had received a flu vaccination.

In an unrelated incident, Public Health also recently investigated an outbreak of what appears to have been flu at a local school. More than 50 students fell sick with flu- like symptoms, three of whom tested positive for flu.

"We reiterate that if you or your child is sick, stay home. Some individuals who get sick are able to treat themselves at home with over-the-counter medications, drinking plenty of fluids and resting. Others may develop severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, or may develop complications such as pneumonia," said Dr. Fielding. "Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. We urge everyone, six months of age or older, to get either the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine, and to practice basic hygiene, such as washing your hands, to prevent the spread of the flu."

Residents are encouraged to contact their regular doctor for recommended vaccinations. This season's flu vaccine protects against H1N1, H3N2, and an influenza B strain. Supermarkets, pharmacies and community clinics throughout the county are offering seasonal flu vaccine for a low fee.

While influenza vaccine is now recommended for everyone (except infants under six months of age), it is especially important that certain groups make sure they are vaccinated because they are either at greater risk of developing complications from the flu or because they live with or care for others who are at greater risk of developing complications. These groups are:

  • Pregnant women;
  • Children younger than five;
  • Adults 50 years of age and older;
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes;
  • People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities;
  • People who live with or care for those at high-risk for complications from the flu, including health care and day care workers.
  • Influenza accounts for up to 200,000 hospitalizations, and an average of 24,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, headache, and muscle ache within the first three to five days of illness.

    Flu is extremely contagious. Everyone is urged to practice basic hygiene to help reduce the chances of catching either the flu or other illnesses. These healthy habits include:

  • Washing your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before and after eating;
  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze;
  • Not touching your nose, mouth or eyes to prevent the spread of germs;
  • Staying home from work or school when sick.
  • For information regarding low-cost flu vaccines through a health care organization or other vaccination clinic, visit the Public Health Immunization Program's website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip or www.findaflushot.com. Or call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone in the county.

    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 more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 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, or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.



    Information on the Flu | Find Flu Vaccine



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