Facts, not Fantasy

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Vaccine Times: 3 dead of the flu in Los Angeles County

And it starts.  Now, these are still small numbers of people, and there were some underlying health concerns, but it still doesn't lessen the impact of someone's death.  I just want to reiterate that you should get your vaccine for this strain.  It's available, and poses minimal risks (less than the disease itself, which is the entire point!).

Los Angeles county has just reported its first 3 flu related deaths of the 2010-2011 flu season, including a 4-year-old boy, a 28-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man. All three died from a vaccine preventable strain of the virus, although it is no immediately clear if they were vaccinated. The adults were both obese, putting them in one of the at-risk groups along with the very young, elderly etc. On average LA county records about 1,000 deaths per flu season.

It is not too late to get the flu shot given that the flu season can last as long as May. According to the CDC recommendations, every person over 6 months of age should protect themselves via the annual flu shot. Get yours today.

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