Los Angeles County reported its first flu-related death of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the patient was an “elderly” resident with multiple underlying health conditions who apparently had not received a flu shot.
“While most people recover from the flu without complications, this death is a reminder that the flu can be a serious illness,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health wrote in a statement. “Pneumonia is the flu The most common complication. Flu can also worsen underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or asthma. Thousands of people across the country are hospitalized or die from flu-related illnesses each year.”
Health officials say they expect health systems may be busy in the fall and winter, given the ongoing circulation of three viruses: influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All three had similar symptoms, and health officials are urging anyone with symptoms to get tested for COVID-19.
“While flu season is difficult to predict, we are preparing for another fall and winter in which influenza, RSV and COVID-19 will spread simultaneously in Los Angeles County,” the Los Angeles County Public Health Department said. “Current flu activity indicators in Los Angeles County are consistent with It has been consistent over the past season and has increased in recent weeks.”
Health officials are urging residents to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations and recommend that everyone over six months of age get a flu shot.
For more information, you can contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at 213-240-8144 or media@ph.lacounty.gov.