Following two recent flu-associated deaths, Riverside County health officials urge residents to safeguard themselves against influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The deaths involved a 73-year-old man from mid-county and a 79-year-old woman from western Riverside County. They were the first two reported influenza-associated deaths in Riverside County this flu season, which generally runs from October to April. Both had underlying health issues and died at local hospitals, according to health officials.
“These tragedies remind us that influenza can be serious, especially for those who have health issues or weakened immune systems,” Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County, said. “There are simple steps that can be taken to protect ourselves. Most important of these is to get vaccinated. We recommend that everyone over six months of age receive the flu vaccine.”
Each year, influenza cases contribute to a significant patient influx at Riverside County hospitals, often resulting in numerous ICU admissions and a number of deaths. The county’s weekly influenza surveillance report is available here.
In addition to vaccines, health officials recommend that the public the following steps to protect themselves against the flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep children home when sick
- Consider indoor masking
- Disinfect frequently used surfaces
For more information about respiratory illnesses and vaccines, visit RUHealth.org.
