BAKERSFIELD, CA - The flu scare is growing around the country this morning, as more and more states report flu-related deaths.
Kern County public health officials confirm one person has died here. They're investigating another death, where they say flu symptoms were present.
The public health department reports 30 people have been hospitalized with flu like symptoms. As the flu season takes a deadly turn, health officials warn, this is only the beginning.
Doctors say this year's flu looks a lot like the 2009 strain that killed thousands. The H1N1 virus puts even the healthy at risk.
The county's chief health officer, Dr. Claudia Jonah, says a 30-year-old woman died after being hospitalized with the H1N1 flu virus. She says the woman had underlying conditions, which may have left her vulnerable.
Jonah said, "Chronic diseases or infections can also make it more difficult for you to be able to deal with this particular influenza virus that's in the community right now."
The county is also investigating the death, of a 62-year-old woman.
"Clinically, it was influenza. We're still waiting on test results for confirmation," said Jonah.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 25 states have widespread flu activity. California is only affected regionally.
Jonah says the flu can be avoided all together, by getting vaccinated.
"The persons have been identified with a type of influenza that protection is provided by this season's flu vaccine," said Jonah.
With 30 local people hospitalized, Jonah says the number of cases is expected to increase.
Jonah said, "The peak of the flu season still, we feel is ahead of us. Usually it's January February."
Jonah says the flu vaccine starts working two weeks after you get it.
Kern County public health officials confirm one person has died here. They're investigating another death, where they say flu symptoms were present.
The public health department reports 30 people have been hospitalized with flu like symptoms. As the flu season takes a deadly turn, health officials warn, this is only the beginning.
Doctors say this year's flu looks a lot like the 2009 strain that killed thousands. The H1N1 virus puts even the healthy at risk.
The county's chief health officer, Dr. Claudia Jonah, says a 30-year-old woman died after being hospitalized with the H1N1 flu virus. She says the woman had underlying conditions, which may have left her vulnerable.
Jonah said, "Chronic diseases or infections can also make it more difficult for you to be able to deal with this particular influenza virus that's in the community right now."
The county is also investigating the death, of a 62-year-old woman.
"Clinically, it was influenza. We're still waiting on test results for confirmation," said Jonah.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 25 states have widespread flu activity. California is only affected regionally.
Jonah says the flu can be avoided all together, by getting vaccinated.
"The persons have been identified with a type of influenza that protection is provided by this season's flu vaccine," said Jonah.
With 30 local people hospitalized, Jonah says the number of cases is expected to increase.
Jonah said, "The peak of the flu season still, we feel is ahead of us. Usually it's January February."
Jonah says the flu vaccine starts working two weeks after you get it.