EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — El Dorado County reported its first flu death in nearly three years Thursday, according to Health and Human Services.
"This flu-related fatality is a painful reminder that COVID-19 is not the only illness threatening the most vulnerable among us," said El Dorado County Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams in a statement. "Besides COVID-19, cases of other respiratory illnesses are occurring in much greater numbers this fall than we've seen in several years. Continued vigilance to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses in our communities remains important for everyone."
The last flu death in El Dorado County happened in Feb. 2020.
This flu season is one of the worst we've seen in a while, according to experts.
"This flu season is a bit different, and that there's a higher number of cases happening sooner than we expected and it looks like it's trending towards being a little bit worse, more serious season," said Dr. Darvin Scott Smith, Kaiser Permanente Regional Lead for Flu Vaccination.
Dr. Smith says the flu can be dangerous, especially for older patients.
"Sixty-five and up should definitely be vaccinated. and people who have any underlying illnesses, like COPD, or heart disease," said Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith says rapid, over-the-counter tests for the flu are not readily available and suggests people get ahead of the virus by protecting themselves with vaccines.
Dr. Smith says if people are feeling a little under the weather, have achy muscles, fever, coughing and you test negative for COVID, they could still have the flu.
There is such a demand for care right now that UC Davis is piloting a special evening clinic just this week for people coming in with less severe respiratory illnesses. It's for those that don't need to be admitted to try and relieve some pressure in emergency rooms.
Free walk-in Flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics
West Slope: Clinics are scheduled for various dates in Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Georgetown, Somerset and Cameron Park. Find detailed information HERE.
South Lake Tahoe: Dec. 8, 9 , 15, 16, 29 and 30 at the Public Health office at 1360 Johnson Boulevard. Find more information HERE.
Find more information about the flu in El Dorado County HERE.
(Editors note: This story has been updated to correct Dr. Smith's name.)
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