Fountain Valley Man is Season's First Flu Fatality

A 51-year-old Fountain Valley man died from influenza-B-related disease, making him the first person in Orange County to die from flu-related causes this season, the county Health Care Agency announced today.

The man, whose name was not released, died last week, according to the county.

Health officials said the man's death should serve as a reminder for people to get vaccinated, noting that flu season has not yet peaked in the area.

The highest priority groups that should be vaccinated are children under 5, especially those under 2; pregnant women; people aged 65 or older; people who are morbidly obese; children and adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy; people with chronic diseases such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or asthma; people with weakened immune systems; and health care workers.

Information on obtaining a flu shot is available online at http://findaflushot.com. The county also offers shots to eligible people through a vaccination program, with information available by calling (800) 564-8448 or online at www.ochealthinfo.com.

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 - City News Service