Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
First flu death of the season in LA County, confirmed by officials
A flu shot is prepped in Lakewood in 2020 for a free flu vaccination clinic.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
Listen
0:43
LA County confirms first flu death of the season
L.A. County public health officials have said that the individual was an older adult with underlying health conditions and encouraged all eligible residents to get vaccinated against influenza. Kevin Tidmarsh reports
Topline:
L.A. County public health officials have said that the individual was an older adult with underlying health conditions and encouraged all eligible residents to get vaccinated against influenza.
How it happened: After investigating the case, the L.A. County Department of Public Health concluded the person had not been vaccinated this season. Officials also underlined the importance of getting vaccinated ahead of the holiday season, when travel and indoor gatherings — and, therefore, the spread of disease — are more common.
What officials are saying: “This tragic death reminds us how serious influenza can be,” L.A. County health officer Muntu Davis said in a statement. “The best protection this season is getting an updated flu vaccine. Protecting yourself also helps keep your community safer.”
Who should get vaccinated? Public health officials recommend everyone over 6 months old should get an updated flu shot, ideally ahead of the holidays. It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you're under 5, over 65 or pregnant, according to guidelines from L.A. County and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those populations are more at risk for severe complications from a flu virus, as are people with diabetes, respiratory issues and heart conditions. Flu vaccines take about two weeks to reach peak effectiveness.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
