A news release Friday said the child was less than 1 year old and had underlying medical conditions.
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It was the region’s first flu-related death of the influenza season, which in Stanislaus County usually begins in late fall and can result in illness through March or April.
Call 888-993-3003 for more information or visit the county’s Immunization Programwebsite at www.fcdph.org/flu. Officials did not release the child’s name or city of residence.
“As California’s public health officer, I am saddened when the flu turns into loss of life”, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said. They are urging residents to get a flu vaccine in order to prevent serious sickness caused by the flu. Symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. “Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu and spread it to others”.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting flu vaccine every year is particularly important for persons at high risk of complications from the flu, or for those who have contact with people at high risk. Health officials said the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone older than six months old.
According to the department, two of this season’s vaccine components, the influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B (Yamagata lineage) strains, have been updated to match the viruses residents are likely to face during the 2015-16 flu season.
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Stanislaus County health officials said an infant died from influenza complications Tuesday.
