San Fernando Valley Woman Becomes LA County's 1st Flu-Related Casualty

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A San Fernando Valley woman has become the first person in Los Angeles County to die from influenza-related complications this season.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement that the woman, whose name has not been released, had underlying medical conditions.

The statement said that the woman had Type B of the influenza strain but noted that, "recent surveillance in Los Angeles County shows that both the A and B influenza strains are circulating sporadically."

Director of Public Health and Health Officer Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding urged those 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated.

"We cannot predict how severe or how mild this flu season will be but the earlier you get your seasonal flu vaccine; either through the influenza shot or nasal spray, the sooner you will be protected from the flu," he said.

Click here for locations on flu shot clinics or dial 2-1-1 for more information.