LA County confirms first two flu deaths of the season amid rising cases

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the first two flu-related deaths of the season, both involving older adults with pre-existing medical conditions, according to CBS News Los Angeles and wesm913.org.

Officials noted that one of the individuals likely had not received a flu vaccine, while the other had been vaccinated about a week before symptoms began, highlighting that vaccine protection takes about two weeks to develop, wesm913.org reported.

Public Health data show higher-than-normal flu activity for this time of year, with 7.9% of laboratory specimens testing positive for influenza through mid-October and emergency room visits for flu symptoms rising from 3.8% to 4.2% between early and mid-October, CBS News Los Angeles stated.

Flu-related hospital admissions also increased from 115 to 144 during the same period, underscoring the growing impact of the flu in the county, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Health officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce severe illness and urged everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible, while also recommending preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and wearing masks if symptomatic.

Groups at higher risk for serious flu complications include children under five, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, officials said, urging these populations to take extra precautions.