The season’s first death related to influenza in Long Beach has occurred, with a 41-year-old resident dying from the virus after a brief hospitalization.

The man’s death, paired with underlying medical conditions, marks one of 45 flu deaths across the state this winter alone, with 10 in the county. The spike has prompted both local and state health officials to encourage those without a flu vaccination to receive one if they are six months of age or older.

“There is still time to receive a flu vaccine, which includes coverage for the pandemic H1N1 strain, which is currently the predominant strain of influenza circulating in our region this season [and the strain which caused the death of the Long Beach resident],” said Mitchell Kushner, MD, City Health Officer.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has called the influenza activity “widespread with multiple surveillance measures showing increased numbers,” noting that this year alone has seen two confirmed deaths. Meanwhile, the state is investigating 50 other deaths that could be flu-related, raising the possible total to 95.

State epidemiologist Dr. Gil Chavez of the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento held a conference with reporters last week, noting “sharp increases” in influenza activity and, echoing Dr. Kusner, urging citizens to access vaccinations.

The Long Beach Health Department is still offering flu vaccinations at its location at 2525 Grand Avenue in Long Beach. Schedule an appointment by calling the Health Department at 562-570-4315.

Eds note: a previous version of this story incorrectly listed Long Beach’s first flu-related death as the first in L.A. County. It was only the first in Long Beach.