Community Corner

First Flu Death in Solano County is Confirmed

Solano County Public Health will provide free influenza vaccines from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the KROC Center Health Fair in Suisun City.

(The following informational release was sent to Patch by Solano County.)

Health Officials Announce First Influenza-associated Death in Solano County for the 2013-2014 Influenza Season

January 14, 2014

Public health officials today confirmed the first influenza A (H1N1)-associated death in Solano County for the 2013-2014 influenza season.

"The Vallejo resident was in his 40s and had chronic medical conditions that put him at risk for severe illness," said Bela T. Matyas, MD, MPH, Solano County Health Officer and Health and Social Services Deputy Director.  "We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

In addition to this death, 10 other cases of influenza have been reported to Solano County Public Health in people under 65 years of age who have been hospitalized in the intensive care unit; one was for influenza B, four were for influenza A and five were for influenza A (H1N1).

In most people, influenza causes a mild illness, but it can be a severe infection that results in hospitalization and even death.  “This is a good time to remind our residents about the ways they can help protect themselves, their families and the rest of the community from influenza,” said Dr. Michael Stacey, MD, MPH, Solano County Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Health Officer.

To avoid influenza infection, residents should take the following precautions:

  • Get the influenza vaccine.  Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective protection against influenza infection.  It is not too late to get the shot since influenza does not normally peak until January or February and the season often lasts until May.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub and rub your hands together well.
  • Cover your cough and sneezes.  Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and always throw away the used tissue in the trash. Remember to wash your hands after you cough or sneeze.  You can also cover your cough and sneezes with your sleeves if you do not have a tissue available.
  • Stay home when you are ill to avoid spreading the virus to other people.
Solano County Public Health will provide free influenza vaccines from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the KROC Center Health Fair in Suisun City.

Additional vaccination clinics will be held in the future.  Please call 707-784-8077 for additional information about future vaccination clinics.   

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