Orange County reports first flu-related death of the season

Lance McCort/Flickr (Creative Commons)

The first influenza death of the season in Orange County has health officials reminding people that there's still time to get a shot that will stave off the flu.

Orange County Health Care Agency officials say the death of 51-year-old Fountain Valley man from an influenza B-related illness is the first flu-related death in Orange County this season.

And while large number of people have already become ill from influenza A and influenza B flu strains, health officials say the number of cases has yet to peak.  

As a result, they're urging flu shots for anyone six months and older and especially for those in the following categories:

• Children under 5, and especially those under 2
• Pregnant women
• People 65 years of age and older
• People who are morbidly obese
• Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• People with chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, other lung diseases or diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems due to disease or medication
• Health care workers

Vaccinations are widely available, not just at doctor offices, but at pharmacies and other retail outlets. You can find a flu shot locations here. 

Or for information about the Orange County flu shot program call the Health Care Agencies referral line at 1-800-564-8448.