Fresno County health officials have confirmed the first pediatric deaths linked to flu and RSV this season, urging vaccinations and precautions as respiratory illnesses continue to spread. (AP File)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
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.
Related Story: Fresno County Confirms Second Measles Case. Exposure Warning Issued
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.
Related Story: Fresno County Confirms Measles Case. Health Officials Stress Vaccination
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.
Related Story: US Measles Cases Rise: How to Protect Against Highly Contagious Virus
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.
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
RELATED TOPICS:
Israel Blocks Ramallah Meeting With Arab Ministers, Israeli Official Says
15 minutes ago
‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home
15 hours ago
Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start
16 hours ago
Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme
16 hours ago
His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years
16 hours ago
Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified
17 hours ago
Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise
17 hours ago
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa
17 hours ago
Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo
17 hours ago
Nonprofit Ship Sets Sail for Gaza After Drone Attack Setback
8 minutes ago
Categories

Nonprofit Ship Sets Sail for Gaza After Drone Attack Setback

Wall Street Opens Mixed as Investors Await Trade Negotiations

Harvey Weinstein’s Sexual Assault Trial to Conclude With Closing Arguments

Israel Blocks Ramallah Meeting With Arab Ministers, Israeli Official Says

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme
