The first flu death this season of a person younger than 65 was reported by the California Department of Public Health Thursday. The death occurred in Southern California.
CDPH says each year the flu causes millions to get sick and hundreds of thousands to be hospitalized in the US. In California this year, there have been 11 confirmed flu-associated cases requiring intensive care unit treatment and five flu outbreaks. The health agency says while flu activity usually starts in October, it’s the highest between December and February.
To help prevent contracting the illness, CDPH recommends everyone who is 6 months or older get a flu vaccine. Other recommendations include:
• staying home when sick
• washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, and
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.