The County Health and Human Services Agency reported today eight more people died from influenza last week. And although flu activity is now widespread in San Diego, it has not reached unexpected levels.
The number of deaths reported now stands at 14, the same as the total reported last flu season. The age range is from 46 to 95 years and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
The number of people with confirmed influenza also rose. A total of 503 flu cases were reported for the week ending Jan. 19, compared to 311 the previous week. A total of 1,179 flu cases have been reported so far this season. Emergency departments are also seeing more patients with flu-like illnesses. They make up 10 percent of all visits, which is slightly higher than expected. Again, while many of the indicators used to monitor influenza activity increased, these factors are not higher than would be expected.
Even with the spike in deaths and number of cases, local health officials say this flu season is moderate and not as severe as others on record, such as the 2003-2004 when 22 were reported.
“Influenza deaths are very unfortunate but not uncommon,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Influenza can be a serious and, in some cases, deadly. That is why it is strongly recommended that people get the vaccine.”
Influenza is especially dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women and young infants, as well as for people with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or a compromised immune system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone six months and older, who are not allergic, get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective and there is still plenty vaccine available at many locations. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop after getting vaccinated.
This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against Influenza A H3N2, Pandemic H1N1-like, and Influenza B strains; it is well matched for the viruses that are circulating, and has been determined by the CDC to be 62% effective.
The vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. County public health centers have flu vaccine available for children and adults with no medical insurance. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
The County is also offering more opportunities for people to get their flu shot. You can get the vaccine at:
Jan. 25
1-4:30 p.m.
Bayside Community Center
2202 Comstock Street, San Diego
Children and Adults
Jan. 24 and 25
8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
North Inland Public Health Center
606 East Valley Parkway, Escondido
Adults both days; children only on Friday
Jan. 26
9 a.m. – 12 Noon
South Region Public Health Center
690 Oxford Street, Chula Vista
Children and Adults
Most people who become ill, Wooten said, will not need medical attention and should recuperate at home. If symptoms do not improve or become worse, individuals should seek medical attention from their doctor or urgent care provider, but not an emergency department.
“Emergency departments should only be used by people who are severely ill,” Wooten said. “People should go to an emergency department if they are having difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or have flu-like symptoms that improve but then become worse.”
The CDC has found no evidence of resistance to the two medications that are currently available—Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza)—to treat the disease. When antiviral medication is needed, it should be used within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Most people will not require antiviral medication, but medication should be initiated for those with confirmed or suspected influenza who are hospitalized; have severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or are at higher risk for complications.
In addition to getting the vaccine, there are other precautions people can take to avoid getting sick: wash your hands thoroughly and often, use hand sanitizers, stay away from sick people, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and clean commonly touched surfaces. If you are sick, stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid contact with others.
