Santa Clara County’s first flu death of season

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department Tuesday reported the first influenza-associated death for the 2014-2015 flu season—a person under 65 who died over the weekend.  No other details about the deceased were released due to privacy laws, the health department said in a press release.
Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said the person who died had not received the current season’s influenza vaccine and did not have any known medical risk factors for flu complications.
In addition to the death, seven cases of severe influenza (flu) have been reported to county health officials this season, the release said. Flu cases in persons under 65 years that do not require hospitalization or cause death are reportable to the health department.
The health department said the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms may be like those of a cold, but are more severe and can bring on complications that require hospitalization or cause death. In addition to vaccination, heath officials say it’s important to practice through hand washing and good health habits and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. People who are ill can help stop the spread of germs by limiting contact with others—stay home from work or school; coughing or sneezing into elbow or sleeve; and thoroughly washing hands, according to health officials.
For more information about flu, visit www.sccphd.org and click on “Influenza (flu) Information” The Santa Clara County Public Health Department offers low-cost immunizations. For more information, visit www.flu.gov.