Pasadena Reports its First Influenza-Related Death in a Season Which Hasn’t Peaked Yet

The Pasadena Public Health Department has confirmed one influenza-related death this flu season.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson with Huntington Hospital said more people are being admitted to the hospital.

“Since the holidays, we have seen an increased number of patients in the hospital with influenza-like illnesses,” said Dorey Huston. “Many of those patients have tested positive for the flu virus and were given an antiviral medication as a course of treatment.”

According to Huston, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reporting a larger percentage of Influenza B strains compared to Influenza A.

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting that seasonal influenza activity has been high for eight weeks and continues to increase. Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 28, 2,667 people were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza according to the CDC.

In California, 54 people have died, according to Pasadena Public Health Director Ying-Ying Goh, and the flu season has not reached its peak yet.

“In California and across the country, we’re considering the cases of influenza as widespread,” Dr. Goh said. “That’s the highest level of category that we use to categorize the extent of flu cases in California.”

Exact numbers locally and statewide are hard to track because doctors sometimes don’t test for the flu and instead diagnose based on a patient’s symptoms.

This year higher levels of the B strain of the virus is circulating. Most people have been exposed to the A strain and have built more resistance to that strain.

According to Dr. Goh, people should wash their hands often and cover their mouths when they sneeze and stay home when they are sick.

“The message is that everyone should get vaccinated,” Dr. Goh said. “But there are some people who are really high risk for complications from severe flu. And those people should be especially careful in addition to getting vaccinated. But those people who are 65 years or older, women who are pregnant, young children and then anyone with an immunocompromised condition, [like] people with asthma, should take extra precautions. Folks with diabetes, too.”

Influenza mutates rapidly. It is made up of a single strand of ribonucleic acid, which is incapable of repairing itself. The mutations make it impossible for the flu vaccine to completely defend against the virus.

“The flu season has not peaked yet,” said Huston. “We are encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to get a flu shot — it is the best way to prevent getting the flu and protect those around you. Other precautions include washing your hands often with soap and water; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and avoiding contact with sick people.”