First 2011 flu deaths reported in county




Three Los Angeles County residents have died from flu in the past two weeks, marking the first deaths of the 2010-2011 influenza season, the county’s Department of Public Health reported. In an average flu season, which lasts from fall to late spring, flu claims an estimated 1,000 deaths in L.A. County.

The three people who died were a 48-year-old man, a 29- year-old woman, and a 4-year-old boy. The adults were both obese, which is a risk factor for complications from influenza. All died from a vaccine-preventable strain of the flu, the health department said. It was not known whether any of the victims had received a flu vaccination.

Residents are encouraged to contact their doctor for 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 6 months old, certain groups should 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.

The groups include pregnant women, children younger than 5 years, adults age 50 and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, people who live in nursing homes or longterm care facilities and 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 contagious. Everyone is urged to practice basic hygiene to reduce the chances of catching the flu or other illnesses. These healthy habits include washing hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before and after eating; covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing; not touching the nose, mouth or eyes to prevent the spread of germs; and staying home from work or school when sick.

For information regarding low-cost flu vaccines, call the LA County Information Line at 2-1- 1 or visit www.publichealth . lacounty. gov/ ip or www.findaflushot.com.



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