It's Not Too Late for Flu Vaccination! January 3, 2018 Public Health 999 With 19 flu-related deaths reported so far in LA County this season, public health officials are urging more people to get vaccinated as the flu continues to be widespread. This year's dominant strain, Influenza A (H3N2) has caused an uptick in flu cases and increased patient visits to the emergency rooms by causing severe illness, according to Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the Interim Health Officer for LA County. Gunzenhauser adds that the number of people who have died this flu season has been more when compared to the same time last year. Flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish, headache, dry cough, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills, and muscle aches. In some cases, the virus can lead to complications including pneumonia, seizures, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart or lung disease. While anyone can get sick with the flu and become severely ill, some people are more likely to experience severe illness. Young children, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are among those groups of people who are at high risk of serious flu complications, possibly requiring hospitalization and sometimes resulting in death. Flu usually spreads from person-to-person through droplets from a sick person's cough or sneeze. It also can spread by touching a surface or an object that has flu virus on it, like a doorknob or computer keyboard, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. In addition to the flu shot, practice good health habits such as hand washing and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing helps prevent the spread of flu. Protect yourself and the people around you by getting your flu shots today. For more information visit publichealth.lacounty.gov or call 2-1-1.