CapRadio
Flu season for 2014 is officially in full swing and several influenza-related deaths have been recorded throughout California, including five in Sacramento County. As more cases are reported, Capital Public Radio will continue to cover stories about the influenza virus, how it's affecting residents and provide the latest information from public health agencies.
Povery-striken, densely packed neighborhoods in the Sacramento region were hit hardest by this year's flu, according to a newspaper analysis.
The number of flu-related deaths has increased again in California -- by 35 in the past week -- bringing the total number of deaths to 278 this season.
California is reporting almost twice the number of flu-related deaths as last year.
The County Department of Health and Human Services says the most recent victim was a 53-year-old man who died at home.
California health officials are reporting the rate of illness from influenza is higher than normal for this time of year, with a more dangerous form of the virus leading the way.
California health officials say the flu is widespread, and they expect incidence of the illness to increase significantly over the next few weeks, but that’s not unusual for this time of year.
Most people will receive a flu shot to immunize them against three different types of flu. But, there's a new vaccine that covers four strains.
The Sacramento County Division of Public Health says a 61-year-old woman has died from the H1N1 flu virus.
