Los Angeles County health officials Thursday announced the first two flu-related deaths of the season.
Both people who died were older adults who had pre-existing medication conditions, which were not specified by the county Department of Public Health. One of the patients had not received a flu shot, while the other was vaccinated one week before symptoms began. Health officials noted that protection from the flu generally develops two weeks after the vaccine is administered.
No other details about the patients were released. It was unclear exactly when they died.
“These deaths are a sobering reminder that influenza can cause serious illness and even death,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in a statement. “We strongly encourage everyone six months and older to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from infection, for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”
According to the Department of Public Health, flu activity is the county is higher than usually seen this time of year. Health officials said that during the week ending Oct. 10, 7.9% of specimens tested at county laboratories were positive for flu, while emergency department visits for flu-like illness rose to 4.2%, up from 3.8% the prior week.
Also that week, the number of people admitted to hospitals with the flu rose from 115 to 144.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for every 6 months and older.