Placer County Reports First Flu-Related Death Of Season

PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) – Officials announced Friday that Placer County has suffered its first flu-related death of the season.

Placer County health officials say the victim, a man whose identity is not being released, was under the age of 65 and had been suffering from an underlying chronic condition.

In total, two other cases of the flu in Placer County have required victims to be hospitalized in intensive care.

"We are seeing a surge in influenza activity, and this unfortunate death is a reminder to all of us that the flu can be deadly and needs to be taken very seriously," said Dr. Robert Oldham, Placer County's public health officer, in a release.

Officials expect this flu season to be particularly severe and note that the usual flu vaccine may not be as effective.

Still, health officials say, it's a good idea to get a flu shot.

"This year's flu shot still offers some protection against getting the flu. And even if you do get sick, you are probably less likely to have complications from the flu if you are vaccinated," Oldham said.

Officials note that their count of flu-related deaths and ICU hospitalizations does not include people over the age of 65.