The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed two influenza-associated deaths for the 2015-2016 flu season.

One of the deceased is a man in his 40’s from southeast Los Angeles, and the second is a woman in her 90’s from northwest Los Angeles.

Both had significant pre-existing medical conditions making them especially vulnerable to severe illness from influenza infection.

The deaths occurred during the final days of 2015 and are now confirmed. Laboratory testing identified both influenza virus strains as type A.

“Even though influenza activity in California and much of the country is still at low levels, these deaths are a reminder that flu is circulating and potentially can cause serious illness,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “We anticipate that influenza infections will increase as the winter season progresses, so getting vaccinated now will provide the best protection. In addition to the flu shot, practice basic hygiene, such as hand washing, to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases.”

Although each influenza season is different, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that an average of 24,000 influenza-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year. Public Health and the CDC recommend flu vaccination for everyone greater than 6 months old who has not yet been protected.

Surveillance conducted by the CDC indicates that this year’s vaccine closely matches the current circulating viral strains and should provide good protection against flu. Getting vaccinated for influenza protects the person who receives the vaccine and also reduces the chance that they become ill and spread flu to family members and friends. This “community protection” is particularly important for those who live in households or work with infants, pregnant women, people with medical conditions that may reduce their immunity and the elderly.

People at higher risk for severe influenza should seek medical evaluation if they experience an influenza-like illness so that they can be considered for treatment with an antiviral medication. These medications are most effective in treating influenza when they are started soon after symptoms begin. The CDC recommends that people at high-risk for severe influenza who develop a flu-like illness should be considered for antiviral treatment even before it has been confirmed as influenza.

Key Points:

Public Health and the CDC continue to recommend vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Practice basic hand and respiratory 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:

-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 the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.