NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Napa County resident died on Thursday, Jan. 5, from an influenza virus infection, county officials reported.

The individual was an adult under the age of 65 years. Napa County Public Health is investigating the case and will not release additional details about the individual in order to protect the family’s right to privacy and maintain confidentiality.

“This unfortunate case demonstrates that flu can be deadly,” said Dr. Karen Relucio, health officer for Napa County. “Fortunately, people can protect themselves and their family members from getting the flu by getting vaccinated.”

Bay Area public health officials urge vaccination against influenza because flu activity has reached “widespread” levels in California. Areas with most flu activity in the state include the Bay Area.

In addition to this first death, Napa County is seeing a rapid increase in the percentage of patients seen in local emergency departments with influenza like illness.

The flu specimens that have been tested match very closely to the current vaccine strains, which means the vaccine provides good protection against the flu.

The California Department of Public Health recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older, including pregnant women.

“For many people, the flu can mean feeling miserable for a few days,” said Dr. Relucio. “But for others, including very young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, the flu can lead to severe illness or death. Flu causes thousands of deaths per year and is preventable with vaccination.”

In addition to getting the vaccine, public health officials advise people to take the following steps to protect themselves and other from the flu:

· Stay home when you are sick, and stay home until you have been symptom free for 24 hours.
· Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue; if you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
· Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Flu vaccine is available:

· From doctors or health care providers.
· At pharmacies: visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ to find flu vaccine locations.
· Residents without access to flu vaccine can call 707-253-4270 for a free shot at the Napa County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Clinic, 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive (Building B, first floor) in Napa. Appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays. Drop-ins, with no appointment needed, take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays.

People that develop flu-like symptoms, especially those groups at higher risk for complications, should contact their health care provider immediately. Rapid treatment with antiviral medication may be able to prevent severe illness.

For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu .