Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday, sounding an alarm for residents to prioritize flu vaccinations.
The deceased, an elderly individual with multiple underlying conditions, had not received a flu shot for the current season.
While influenza generally resolves without complications for most, the LA health department emphasized the gravity of the illness, particularly its common complication, pneumonia. Nationally, thousands of individuals face hospitalization or death due to influenza-related illnesses each year.
Public Urged to Get Vaccinated
Anticipating a challenging fall and winter season, reminiscent of the previous year where influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 coexisted, the health department strongly recommends timely flu vaccinations. This trio of viral illnesses strained the US healthcare system significantly, hence the department stressed the importance of vaccination as flu infection rises in Los Angeles County, especially with the approaching holiday season.
Residents are urged to get flu vaccinations, with recommendations extending to everyone above 6 months old. The county's website lists vaccination sites, and 211, the L.A. County Information Line, offers low-cost or free immunization options.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 4,000-7,000 flu and pneumonia deaths in California annually. In 2021, a total of 4,638 deaths were recorded, reflecting the seriousness of these respiratory illnesses, as per a KTLA 5 report.
"With indicators of flu activity increasing in Los Angeles County and the holidays approaching, it is important that residents are vaccinated," the LA County Department of Public Health stated, as quoted by a CBS News report.
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Flu Kills Thousands in the US Every Year
Flu-related deaths in the US can fluctuate each season, with the CDC estimating approximately 20,000 deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season, per Health. Given the non-reportable nature of the flu in most states, estimates are based on lab-confirmed, flu-associated hospitalizations. However, due to underreporting, accurate figures remain challenging.
Dr. James H. Conway, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Global Health Institute reiterated the CDC's recommendation for everyone aged 6 months and older to take an annual flu vaccine. High-risk individuals—adults over 65, children under 5, chronically ill, and pregnant—need this.
In addition to vaccination, adopting preventative measures for COVID-19, such as avoiding crowded places, practicing proper hand hygiene, maintaining social distance, and wearing masks, contributes to protecting against the flu. Dr. Conway highlighted the potential effectiveness of universal masking during the winter months in preventing flu deaths.
Stressing the importance of responsible behavior, Dr. Conway underscored the need for individuals to stay home from work and school when feeling unwell, emphasizing the role of public health measures in curbing the spread of respiratory viruses.
