MONTEREY COUNTY — The Monterey County Health Department announced the death of a Monterey County resident associated with influenza virus infection.
The individual was an adult under the age of 65.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this individual,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Officer for Monterey County.
Disease surveillance data indicates that influenza activity is increasing in Monterey County. People at highest risk for severe complications from influenza infection include adults 65 years of age and older, children less than 5 years old, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, and weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. People at higher risk of severe disease who show flu symptoms should contact their medical provider.
Moreno recommended that all individuals six months of age and older be vaccinated against influenza.
“Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect your family from complications of influenza,” he said. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”
Free or low cost influenza vaccinations are offered at the following Monterey County Health Department Clinics:
• Alisal Health Center, 559 East Alisal St., Salinas, 769-8870
• Seaside Family Health Center, 1150 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, 899-8100
Other locations offering influenza vaccination can be found at flushot.healthmap.org.
Health officials recommend that people take the following additional steps to protect themselves and loved ones from influenza:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, since hands may become contaminated with live influenza virus.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub may be used.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at least six feet away from individuals who are visibly ill.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. Going to work or school while ill may pass the disease onto someone who is at risk for serious complications.
For information about influenza, visit the Monterey County Health Department’s website at www.mtyhd.org/flu or the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
