Santa Clara County records first flu death, patient under 65

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has reported the first flu death for
the 2014/2015 season.

The person who died was under age 65 and died over the past weekend, says the health department.

Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said the person who died had not received the current season’s influenza vaccine and did not have any known medical risk factors for flu complications.

The Health Department will not release further details about the person because of privacy reasons.

Only flu cases that are in persons less than 65 years of age, and that are severe enough to require hospitalization in an ICU or result in death are reportable to the Public Health Department. This criteria for reporting influenza deaths is set by state and federal public health officials. In addition to the reported death, seven cases of severe flu have been reported to the Santa Clara Health Department this flu season.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms of the flu may be similar to those of the common cold, but are usually more severe, and can lead to complications that require hospitalization or death. In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to practice good hand washing and health habits, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. People who are ill can help stop the spread of germs by:
Limiting contact with others stay home from work or school
Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol based rub

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age or older, but is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe influenza, including pregnant women, children under five years of age, adults over the age of 50, and persons with certain underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Vaccination of pregnant women also helps to protect infants under
6 months who are too young to be vaccinated.