Fresno County health officials confirmed on Tuesday the county’s first pediatric deaths associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus this season, urging residents to take precautions as respiratory illnesses continue to circulate.

As of March 22, the California Department of Public Health has reported 24 influenza-associated pediatric deaths statewide, along with 331 deaths among adults aged 18 to 64 and 1,054 among those 65 and older, the Fresno County Department of Public Health said in a statement.

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Fresno Health Officials Recommend Vaccinations, Quarantine When Sick

Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine, particularly those at higher risk for severe illness, including young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms — including cough, fever, sore throat, or congestion — should stay home until symptoms improve and any fever has resolved, FCDPH officials said.

High-risk individuals are encouraged to seek flu testing and, if positive, consult a healthcare provider about antiviral treatments, which work best when started early.

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Pregnant individuals are advised to receive an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to help protect newborns.

Additionally, officials said infants under 8 months old whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy are recommended to receive a dose of Nirsevimab, an RSV monoclonal antibody.

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The FCDPH continues to offer flu vaccinations for the 2024-25 season, available at physicians’ offices, clinics, and pharmacies.

For more information, visit www.fcdph.org/flu or call the department’s Immunization Program at (559) 600-3550.

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