California influenza death toll at 147, easily eclipsing the 2012-2013 flu season

The influenza-related deaths continue to mount in California with the latest numbers provided by the  California Department of Public Health (CDPH) showing  an increase of 52 during the past week.

Fluzone vaccine
Image/CDC

Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer said Friday that the flu-related death total now stands at 147, with an additional 44 deaths under investigation.

This compares to the 106 flu-related deaths reported during the entire 2012-2013 flu season.

Flu deaths have been reported from 36 California jurisdictions, with Los Angeles reporting the most,  recording 17 deaths to date.

Those at highest risk – the elderly, pregnant women, infants, or those with other health conditions – who show flu symptoms should contact their physician immediately in order to get the most effective treatment. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

“This influenza season continues to be a severe one as the increasing number of influenza-related deaths indicates,” said Dr. Chapman. “Once again I urge all Californians to get vaccinated, because it is the best defense against influenza.”

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