Health officials urge Maderans to vaccinate against influenza
A Madera County woman died of flu complications Monday and local health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu and brace for a moderately severe influenza outbreak nationwide.
“We had our first death from the flu last night,” said Van Do-Reynoso, director of the Madera County Public Health Department. “It was a 61-year-old female. We don’t know the official cause of death because we are awaiting the autopsy results, but she was confirmed to have influenza A. Her death is flu related.”
No flu-related deaths were reported last year in Madera County.
“But last year was a mild season compared to this,” Do-Reynoso said. “People in the high risk groups die from flu complications, so if they have flu symptoms, they should get help from their doctor — it could be life saving.” ...