A child who was not even a year old died November 21 of complications from the flu. The child, who was not identified by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, is the first pediatric death due to influenza for the 2019-20 season, and is the second flu-related death this flu season (which began in May). The county’s health officer reminds residents that the flu can be a serious and sometimes deadly disease, and urges all residents older than six months to get a flu shot. The best protection for babies who are too young to be vaccinated is for the rest of the community to be vaccinated against the flu. Flu activity is just starting and has yet to peak in California. The health department says the flu season could be bad this year as hospitalizations have already occurred. Reporter Rebecca Havely has more information about how to prevent the spread of the flu…
The flu is caused by viruses and is spreads easily. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. In addition to getting the flu vaccine, help prevent the spread of disease by coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
To find a flu shot clinic near you, visit flushot.healthmap.org. For more information on flu activity please visit the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health website at www.sbcounty.gov/dph, or contact the Communicable Disease Section at 1-800-722-4794, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
