2 Flu-Related Deaths Reported In California This Week

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- State health officials say there have been two flu-related deaths in California for the current flu season.

The Department of Public Health reported on Wednesday that a Santa Clara County resident was the state's first adult flu fatality.

On Friday, the department announced that a baby in Stanislaus County, who was less than a year old, succumbed to the highly contagious respiratory illness.

Karen Smith, the state public health officer, recommends vaccination for children as young as 6 months and anyone who is in contact with babies not old enough to be vaccinated.

Smith said influenza viruses circulate at their peak levels from December to April and is urging people to get vaccinated before the flu spreads widely.