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It's only natural that as the seasons change, you get more flu, but there are many ways to prevent the flu in a natural way. Sean Dowling of Buzz60 has more.
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A patient smiles while being vaccinated against influenza by a medical badistant.(Photo: Getty Images)

A 60-year-old man from Riverside died of the flu – the first documented influenza-related death in Riverside County during the flu season, health officials said Friday.

"This is a tragic reminder that the flu is still killing," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, County Public Health Officer. "We continue to recommend that community members be vaccinated against the flu."

According to Barbara Cole, disease control specialist from the county's Department of Public Health, 23 influenza-related deaths have involved residents aged 64 or younger during the 2017-18 influenza season. She added that the most recent victim had received a flu shot and died after hospitalization. A pre-existing health condition has probably exacerbated her condition, officials said.

During an appearance before the Board of Supervisors last month, Kaiser stressed the need for vaccinations by evoking the centennial of the 1918 influenza pandemic, when the so-called "Spanish flu" ravaged several continents . According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 700,000 people died of influenza-related health problems in the United States at the time. An estimated 500 million infections worldwide, causing about 50 million deaths.

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Kaiser acknowledged that last year's flu vaccines have only proven effective at 40% against viral strains that spread throughout the county and state. However, even at the lowest level of protection, "you're still 40% less likely to get the flu, and even if you get the flu, it's usually less serious," he said.

Influenza is a respiratory disease characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and body. Vomiting and diarrhea are also known to occur.

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The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that an influenza pandemic is very possible. Sam Berman of Veuer has complete history.
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According to Cole, frequent hand washing and "social distancing" – avoiding symptoms – is the best way to avoid getting the flu, which is transmitted by droplets from coughing or sneezing. A sick person.

People fighting infections should minimize contact with others until their symptoms lessen, she said.

Influenza vaccines are available at the Riverside University Medical Center in the Moreno Valley, at one of the county's 10 dispensaries, as well as at most pharmacies and doctors' offices.

The flu season usually extends from early autumn to early spring.

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