2 San Mateo County Residents Die From Flu

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA -- The nationwide flu epidemic is being felt locally as the region mourns the loss of at least two people. California has seen at least 74 people under the age of 65 die from the flu so far this season with at least two of the deaths recorded in San Mateo County, according to the Daily Post.

Just last week, 36 people in the state under the age of 65 died, according to state health officials. California does not record the number of deaths among people over the age of 65.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control reported more than 14,400 new cases of the flu during the week that ended on Jan. 13. Patient traffic was up in 32 states, making Jan. 7-13 one of the busiest weeks for flu symptoms in nine years. At least 30 children have died, a third of them during the week ending Jan. 13.

The startling numbers have prompted San Mateo County health officials to urge residents to get the flu shot if they haven't done so yet.

“We are seeing increased flu activity in emergency departments throughout the county,” said David Chang, San Mateo County Health System’s interim communicable disease controller, in a press release. “Getting the flu vaccine now is still the best way to protect yourself and your family.”

Because the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective, San Mateo County health officials are urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is especially important for pregnant women, children younger than five, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, officials said.

“The flu vaccine is safe and effective and is the most important tool against the spread of influenza in San Mateo County,” Chang said. “It is not only important to get your flu vaccination but also to make sure your friends and loved ones get it too.”

In addition to getting the vaccine, the following steps will help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue
• If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Stay home when you are sick
• Stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours

For more information about recent flu activity in San Mateo County and how to fight the flu, go to smchealth.org/alert.

--Patch reporter Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this report/Photo via Shutterstock

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