The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first report of an influenza-associated death in Los Angeles County. This death occurred in an older person with underlying health conditions who lived in Los Angeles County. Based on the Public Health investigation, it appears that this person had not received a flu vaccination this season.  

Flu activity is currently low but expected to increase as the holidays approach, with more travel and indoor gatherings. Now is the perfect time to get the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for protection to build, but getting vaccinated as soon as possible before travel or seeing friends and family helps keep you and your loved ones safer. 

"We send our condolences to the family and loved ones of the person we lost. This tragic death reminds us how serious influenza can be,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “The best protection this season is getting an updated flu vaccine. Protecting yourself also helps keep your community safer. You can also reduce your risk by taking simple but powerful steps: wash your hands frequently, stay home and away from others when you feel sick, and wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, around people at higher risk, or whenever you have symptoms. These simple steps help slow the spread of flu and protect everyone around you.”  

Who Should Get Vaccinated 

Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone older than 6 months. Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce the severity of symptoms, missing work and school, and missing holiday gatherings due to illness. The flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

As respiratory virus activity increases in LA County, Public Health also recommends everyone 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, RSV immunization is recommended for older adults, pregnant persons, and infants.  

These vaccines are important as multiple respiratory viruses are expected to spread again this fall. People can find a vaccine site near them by visiting: http://ph.lacounty.gov/vaccineclinics 

What To Do If You Are Sick with Flu 

People at higher risk for complications from the flu should seek medical care as soon as they begin to feel ill, whether or not they have been vaccinated. Groups of people that are at high risk for flu complications include children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and pregnant people. Medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, and being overweight (having a body-mass index >40) can also increase your risk for flu complications.  

Prescription anti-viral medications like oseltamivir (available generically or under the tradename Tamiflu®) and baloxavir (available under the tradename Xofluza®) can shorten the duration of the flu and can reduce the risk of complications or death. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of becoming sick but may still be beneficial if used later in the course of illness.   

About Influenza 

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause fevers, cough, headaches and body aches and result in serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions or death. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. The best way to protect against influenza is to get an updated flu vaccine each year.  

For more information visit: ph.lacounty.gov/fluvaccine. 

For more questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor, call the Public Health Infoline at 1-833-540-0473, open everyday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.