California Flu Deaths Continue To Rise

CALIFORNIA -- The severe flu season is continuing to kill people in California with another 22 deaths recorded in the state during the week of Feb. 4. State health officials said the new death toll for those under the age of 65 stands at 185 people.

The state does not record deaths of those 65 and older.

The number of flu deaths and hospitalizations are above expected levels, but health officials said influenza activity is decreasing. Influenza B viruses are more common than Influenza A in California, officials said in a weekly surveillance report.

Across the country, at least 84 children have died from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The federal agency estimates that flu-related hospitalizations were at 68 people out of every 100,000.

Health officials said the flu is widespread in 48 states with the exception of Hawaii and Oregon where there hasn't been an unusual number of flu deaths reported.

Health officials are encouraging the public to get the flu shot if they haven't done so already. They also recommend:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm
• Stay away from sick people whenever possible
• Stay home when you are sick

--Photo via Shutterstock

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