Stanislaus County man dies from flu. It’s the county’s first death of the current season
Stanislaus County on Friday reported its first death resulting from the current flu season.
A Health Services Agency news release said the county resident who died was an adult male younger than 65 years old. The county did not the release the circumstances of the person’s death, citing patient privacy.
Most people who catch the flu viruses that spread across the country every year suffer mild to moderate symptoms. But the illness can be severe, leading to hospitalization. Some cases are fatal. The 2022-23 flu season claimed the lives of 15,400 older Americans (65 and older).
In addition to seniors, those susceptible to severe flu illness include young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, the county news release said. People in those higher risk groups are advised to call their healthcare providers if they come down with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the man who passed away from flu,” said Dr. Thea Papasozomenos, county public health officer. “Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against (the illness) and has been shown to reduce the risk of serious complications. It is not too late to get a flu shot.”
Other viruses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, have circulated in the community during late fall and winter. County public health officials have recommended flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccinations from healthcare providers, pharmacies and health clinics.
People also can avoid illness by wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, washing hands often and staying home when sick so as not to spread viruses, the news release said.
This story was originally published January 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM.
