Seasonal influenza is on the rise in the United States and is now widespread in California. Many California counties, and other states, are reporting patients who are critically ill with influenza, including healthy young adults.  Dr. Ken Cutler, Nevada County’s Public Health Officer states, “It is with regret that I inform our community that a previously healthy resident of Nevada County in their 30s passed away due to complications from influenza on January 8, 2014. Testing confirmed influenza, with lab results pending for the H1N1 strain.” Health officials will not be releasing the name or further details.

“It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine,” according to Nevada County Public Health Department Emergency Preparedness coordinator, Patti Carter The   health Department will be conducting a free community flu shot clinic this Thursday January 16th at the Safeway parking lot in downtown grass valley 105 Neal street.  the Nevada County mobile services van will be in the parking lot from 12-4 Walk ins accepted please wear short sleeves or easy to remove outerwear.

Carter says A yearly flu vaccine is the most important step to take in preventing influenza.
Click here to listen to Patti Carter

It’s also important to remember that it is necessary to get a flu shot every year.An influenza vaccine is especially important for pregnant women and other people at higher risk for severe influenza.