A dozen new influenza deaths were reported last week in San Diego, though the number of flu cases dropped for the third week in a row, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The number of influenza-related deaths in the county this season now stands at 33. The fatalities ranged in age from 36 to 96 years old. All except two had underlying medical conditions.
“Even though the number of reported flu cases has fallen in the past three weeks, more than one peak can occur in a flu season, which can last through the spring,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “That is why it is not too late to get a flu shot if you have not had one.”
For the week ending Jan. 28, 2017, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 4 percent of all visits (up from 3 percent the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 283 (down from 326 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 33 (compared to 7 at this time last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 2,399 (compared to 1,000 at this time last season)
How to Prevent the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
- People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People 65 years and older
- People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Use hand sanitizers
- Stay away from sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean commonly touched surfaces
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
