First person under 65 dies from flu in Fresno County. Officials say get a vaccine

Fresno County health officials announced Wednesday they confirmed the first death from influenza by a person younger than 65 this flu season.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health did not provide any other demographic information on the local patient in the Wednesday news release.

Nationally, the flu has been fatal for 678 people from 18 to 64 and for 50 children 17 or younger between Oct. 2 and Dec. 17, officials said.

Influenza can lead to serious symptoms particularly for people with pre-existing conditions, as well as for older adults and and young children, according to Dr. Trinidad Solis, Fresno County deputy health officer.

“This tragic and untimely death serves as a reminder that we all must take preventative actions by getting vaccinated to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” she said in a news release.

Flu symptoms

Flu symptoms are often mild but can also be very serious, officials said, and can potentially lead to hospitalization or death.

Children younger than 5 are at a high risk and especially those younger than 2, health officials said. Also at an increased risk are people older than 65, anyone who is pregnant and those with a health condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Anyone with symptoms should get tested for influenza, because a doctor may then prescribe anti-viral medications, officials said. Those in the high-risk categories in particular could benefit from the medications.

Vaccines for influenza

The best way to reduce the risk from the flu is by getting vaccinated each year, health officials say. Anyone over 6 months old can get a shot.

Vaccines are commonly found at physician offices, clinics, pharmacies and special flu vaccination events.

Providers also often offer other vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccine or the updated booster, at the same time.

Children who are 9 or younger getting the vaccine for the first time need two shots four weeks apart.

Hospitalizations in Fresno

Health officials note that hospitalizations have been particularly difficult this month, matching some of the highest rates at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of Fresno’s major hospitals, including Community Regional Medical Center, Saint Agnes Medical Center and Clovis Community Medical Center, are operating at or above 100% of their capacity, health officials have said.

Emergency rooms are so full of patients that waiting times for patients to be seen have become significantly extended, officials have said.

More information regarding flu vaccine locations can be found at www.outdotheflu.com.

For questions on seasonal influenza, call the Fresno County Immunization Program at 559-600-3550 or visit www.fcdph.org/flu.