Imperial County officials report four additional flu deaths

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Health officials say four people recently passed away from complications due to the flu.

The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) says the four people that died include a young adult, two middle-age, and one senior. Three of them had underlying health conditions.

However, the recent deaths are in addition to a toddler that passed away in December.

ICPHD says it is unknown if any of the individuals had been vaccinated.

Dr. Stephen Munday, County Health Officer stated, “Our hearts go out to the families that have been affected by these recent deaths due to influenza.  It is important to remember that flu season is not over and it is not too late to get a flu shot.”  

All persons six months of age and older, including health-care personnel, should receive a flu shot now if they have not yet received one this flu season.

The flu continues to circulate at higher levels in Imperial County and flu activity is widespread statewide. 

Flu shots are available at the Public Health Department on a walk-in basis during regular hours for $5.00. 

Flu vaccines are also available with local physicians, community clinics including Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc. and local pharmacies. 

According to ICPHD, Influenza is an acute respiratory illness spread from infected persons to others.

Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. 

Some people, such as older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. 

There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, you should also:

·         Stay home while sick and limit contact with others

·         Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or disposable tissue

·         Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

For more information regarding the flu vaccine, please contact the Imperial County Public Health Department’s Immunization Program at (442) 265-1394 or send an email to jovanaaraujo@co.imperial.ca.us  To find a flu shot, visit Health Map Vaccine Finder