BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public Health confirmed that the total number of flu deaths in the county is now up to seven for the 2019-2020 flu season.
This new number coming only days after the department announced the fourth death of the season.
According to public health the first death was reported back in December, 2019. In January, two more people died from the flu.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said influenza has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010.
Medical experts advise that if you are experiencing flu symptoms you should stay at home, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, wash your hands often and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
The Kern County Department of Public Health suggests that the best defense against the flu still remains the current flu vaccine.
Public health said the flu affects mostly children that are 6 months of age or younger because they cannot get vaccinated.
According to public health, bacteria can live on a surface for up to 24 hours. If you or your child have flu-like symptoms, a local pharmacist recommends visiting your doctor or urgent care.
