Health

5 More Flu Deaths, Over 800 New Cases Reported

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Five new influenza deaths and more than 800 flu cases were reported in the region last week, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

The ages of those who died ranged from 44 to 91, and four had underlying medical conditions. To date, 11 flu deaths have been reported this season.

Furthermore, a total of 838 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported the week ending Feb. 20, compared to 599 diagnosed the previous week. 

“It’s unfortunate five more people died from complications from the flu,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Influenza activity has intensified and hundreds of new cases are being reported. People should get vaccinated now since the flu season can last through the spring and into the summer.”

For the week ending Feb. 20, 2016 (Week 7), the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:

  • Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 7 percent of all visits (up from 6 percent the previous week)
  • Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 838 (up from 599 the previous week)
  • Total influenza deaths to date: 11 (compared to 74 last season)
  • Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 2,628 (compared to 5,835 last season)

Your Best Shot Against the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.

This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against several strains of the flu including influenza A H3N2, pandemic H1N1-like, and influenza B strains.

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 your symptoms are under control
  • Pregnant women
  • People 65 years and older
  • People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

Other Tips to Stay Healthy

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 Community Health Center or County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact