Sunset Walk-in Clinic on the Sunset Strip is offering free flu shots to the first 50 people who mention WeHo News.

Public health officials are recording a busy flu season and urging people to seek vaccinations if they have not yet received one.

Nationwide, 18 children have died this season with flu-associated illnesses, the CDC said.

Public health officials announced on December 30  that the death of a 51-year-old Fountain Valley man marks the first flu-related death of the season in Orange County.

Everyone, regardless of age, should get a flu shot to prevent the virus's spread.

As of Dec. 15, at least one other person younger than 65 had died in California in a flu-related case, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The past several weeks have seen a marked increase in LA County emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses including fever, cough and sore throat, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The prevalence of respiratory illnesses “has greatly increased over this time to the highest levels recorded at the end of December compared to the previous three years,” according to a Public Health statement.

For the fourth straight week, the proportion of people seeing a health care provider for influenza-like illness rose above the national baseline, the CDC said.

Although most people usually recover from flu without complications, the virus poses more risk for people younger than age 2, those over 50, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is encouraging all residents 6 months of age and older to get their flu vaccination this season.

Given holiday travel and family gatherings, the department suggests that you protect yourself by getting vaccinated immediately. The flu vaccine takes about two week to become effective, but will provide protection throughout the flu season.

“In LA County, we are seeing the start of flu season that can stretch until May of next year. Now is an excellent time to get your annual flu vaccine. The earlier you get your seasonal flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected from the flu,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.

Some clinics offer a nasal spray flu vaccine.

“We cannot predict how severe or how mild a flu season will be. Flu is a serious illness and should be treated as such. Ample vaccine is already available in LA County in a variety of locations, including pharmacies, supermarkets, community clinics and doctors’ offices.”

Influenza accounts for up to 200,000 hospitalizations, and an average of 23,607 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, headache, and muscle ache within the first three to five days of illness.

“The flu can affect each person differently. Most individuals who get sick are able to treat themselves at home with over-the-counter medications, drinking plenty of fluids, resting and staying home from work or school. Others may develop complications such as pneumonia and may require hospitalization,” said Dr. Fielding.

“Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. We urge everyone, six months of age and older, to be vaccinated against the flu, and to practice basic hygiene, such as washing your hands, to prevent the spread of the flu and other contagious diseases.”

Because immunity from flu vaccination declines over time and the strain of flu virus that circulates changes from year to year, it is recommended that everyone, six months of age and older, receive a flu vaccine every year.

Sunset Walk-in Clinic on the Sunset Strip is offering free flu shots to the first 50 people who mention WeHo News.

Residents are encouraged to contact their regular doctor for recommended vaccinations. Alternatively, supermarkets and pharmacies throughout the county are also offering seasonal flu vaccine for a low fee. Visit www.ph.lacounty.gov/ip/flu/index.htm to find a source for low-cost flu vaccination.

For individuals without health insurance or another source of health care, free flu vaccine clinics operated by LA County Department of Public Health are available throughout the county.

Visit the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov , or call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone in the county to find a free flu vaccine clinic.

Sunset Walk-in Clinic at 9201 Sunset Blvd., Mezzanine Level M-155 in West Hollywood is offering free flu shots to the first 50 people who mention WeHo News.

While influenza vaccine is now recommended for everyone (except infants under six months of age), it is especially important that certain groups be vaccinated because they are either at greater risk of developing complications from the flu or because they live with or care for others who are at greater risk of developing complications.

These groups are:

– Pregnant women;

Sunset Walk-in Clinic on the Sunset Strip is offering free flu shots to the first 50 people who mention WeHo News.

– Children younger than five;

– Adults 65 years of age and older;

– People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes;

– People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities;

– People who live with or care for those at high-risk for complications from the flu, including health care and day care workers.

Flu is extremely contagious. Everyone is urged to practice basic hygiene to help reduce the chances of catching either the flu or other illnesses. These healthy habits include:

– Washing your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before and after eating;

– Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze;

– Not touching your nose, mouth or eyes to prevent the spread of germs;

– Staying home from work or school when sick.