First Monterey County influenza death of season reported.

A Monterey County resident has died from an influenza virus infection, the Monterey County Health Department announced Tuesday. The person was an adult under the age of 65; no further details about the patient were released for confidentiality reasons.

Influenza activity is increasing in the county, according to disease surveillance data provided by the Health Department. County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno is recommending that all individuals 6 months of age and older get flu vaccines as soon as possible.

“Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect your family from complications of influenza,” Moreno says. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

People at the highest risk of suffering from severe complications from the flu should consider vaccination, county health officials say. Those at greatest risk include adults 65 years of age and older, children under age 5, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart diseases and weakened immune systems.

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and the Monterey County Health Department are partnering to offer free influenza vaccines at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital on Jan. 15 from 11am-2pm. 

Vaccinations are also offered at the Monterey County Health Department Clinics: Alisal Health Center, 559 East Alisal St., Salinas, and; Seaside Family Health Center, 1150 Fremont Blvd., Seaside.

People at higher risk of severe disease who show flu symptoms should contact their medical provider. Medical providers may prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. 

Officials recommend people follow common sense advice like covering up coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, and staying home from work or school for up to 24 hours after symptoms disappear.