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Greater than 900 individuals have died from influenza for the reason that starting of October in California, greater than have died at this level in any of the final six respiratory virus seasons, in line with a report launched Friday by the California Division of Public Well being.
1 / 4 of these deaths have been amongst individuals below 65 years outdated. Older people are typically probably the most in danger, with about 700 individuals 65 and older dying thus far this yr from the widespread virus. However a minimum of 15 youngsters have additionally succumbed to the flu, together with 4 youngsters in San Diego County, elevating considerations.
When in comparison with the information reported over the course of earlier flu seasons, the toll this yr has already exploded previous the totals from the final a number of flu seasons.
At this level of the season, Week 7, there have been about 500 deaths final season, and 600 the yr earlier than, however in each of these seasons the deaths had already began to plateau by mid-February. This yr, the variety of deaths has but to indicate indicators of slowing.
“It’s a surprise,” stated Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco professor of drugs who focuses on infectious ailments. He stated it was projected to be a median season, however it’s turning out to be something however. And with take a look at positivity charges nonetheless excessive, there are a minimum of a couple of weeks left of the virus sending individuals to the hospital earlier than it retreats for its annual hibernation, which often begins as spring turns to summer time.
“It is surprising, first of all, that we didn’t see much COVID, and secondly, that we saw a lot of flu,” Chin-Hong stated. “And not just flu—bad flu which is making people seriously ill.”
He stated it can be crucial for individuals to know that regardless of it being late within the typical virus season, it isn’t too late to get vaccinated in opposition to influenza, whether or not they have had one pressure already or not. Chin-Hong additionally desires to remind individuals of the antivirals obtainable to fight the worst outcomes.
Tamiflu, an antiviral used to deal with the flu, will also be used prophylactically to forestall the unfold of the virus inside a family, and Chin-Hong would advocate those that reside with aged or at-risk members of the family to ask their physician about it.
“The last really bad flu season was in 2009, for swine flu,” Chin-Hong stated, “Since then, it has kind of been regular flu seasons, until this year.”
Quotation:
Greater than 900 Californians, together with 15 youngsters, have died from the flu this season (2025, February 24)
retrieved 24 February 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/information/2025-02-californians-children-died-flu-season.html
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