Flu claims the life of child in Stanislaus County. What to know about severe flu season.
A child in Stanislaus County has died from influenza, the county Health Services Agency said.
The agency did not report details of the fatal seasonal flu case, out of respect for the family’s privacy.
“This tragic loss deeply saddens us, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Dr. Thea Papasozomenos, county public health officer. “It serves as a stark reminder that influenza can be very dangerous, especially for young children and other high-risk individuals.”
In a news release, Papasozomenos advised residents to take precautions and practice respiratory etiquette to keep flu viruses from spreading. “We urge everyone to take flu prevention seriously to help reduce the spread and impact of this virus in our community, especially during this severe flu season,” she said.
According to the news release, the local communities are facing one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. A large number of people have gone to hospital emergency rooms with flu symptoms amid a surge in cases statewide.
Those feeling flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches may contact their healthcare provider to ask about testing and antiviral medication. An antiviral drug can lessen the severity and how long a person is sick. Antivirals should be take within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
The Health Services Agency said the medication is important for high-risk groups, from young children to pregnant women and older adults. Residents are asked to consider seeing their primacy care doctor or urgent care centers due to pressure on health care facilities.
Many retail pharmacies have flu test kits or other testing services. Recommended precautions are a flu shot, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with soap and water and staying home when sick.
More information on the seasonal flu and vaccine locations is at schsa.org or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resource page.
