The first flu-related death of the season in Butte County has been reported by the Butte County Public Health. On Friday, the individual who died was identified as someone in their 30s visiting from the East Coast. The cause of death was complications related to influenza.

Public health officials are urging residents to take preventative measures against respiratory illnesses, including getting vaccinated against the flu. Dr. David Canton, the public health officer for Butte County, emphasized the importance of taking these actions, stating, “This is a stark reminder that influenza can cause severe symptoms, hospitalization and death.”

Butte County typically experiences a surge in flu activity during mid- to late December and into late spring. While influenza is currently circulating in the county, healthcare providers have not reported increased flu activity at this time. For more information on flu prevention and treatment options, visit buttecounty.net/948/Influenza. An image of nursing student Tammy Bledsoe administering shots at the Enloe Medical Center drive-thru flu clinic at Calvary Chapel in Chico is available online.

Health officials are reminding everyone to take precautions to prevent respiratory illnesses during this flu season. They urge people to get vaccinated and take additional illness prevention measures like covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals if possible. It’s important for everyone to be vigilant about their health and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with influenza such as fever, chills, body aches or headaches.