Calif. Announces 1st Flu Death Of A Person Under 65

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The state Department of Public Health Friday announced the first flu death of a person under the age of 65 for the 2014-2015 season.

The department described the victim only as a Southern California resident.

"Flu activity is beginning to increase statewide, including reports of hospitalizations and severe disease," said Dr. Ron Chapman of the CDPH.

In December, Los Angeles County reported its first death of a person over the age of 65. The victim was a Pomona Valley woman with underlying medical conditions.

"We are early on in what could be a severe flu season, and I encourage everyone who has not yet gotten a flu vaccination to do so," Chapman added.

The flu shot is recommended to everyone 6 months and older, particularly includes infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons who have chronic illnesses, obesity, or conditions that reduce the ability to fight infections.

More information about the flu is available here.

Residents may also call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to flu vaccination sites.