Fifth Flu Death Reported in Region
A 72-year-old woman is the fifth San Diegan to die of influenza this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency reported today.
The woman died on April 7. She had underlying medical conditions and did not receive a flu vaccine this season.
This latest influenza-related death brings the season total for the region to five.
There has also been a spike in new flu infections, with an additional 207 cases reported since last week. This increase in cases is prompting County health officials to continue publishing the weekly Influenza Watch Report until further notice.
“We typically end publication of this report at the end of April, but due to the recent increase in flu cases, we will continue to report on the situation,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “I advise anyone who is at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu to take precautions.”
Individuals at Higher Risk Include:
- People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and older
- People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
The latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending April 23, 2022:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 3% of all visits (compared with 3% the previous week).
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 207 (compared to 132 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 2,553 (compared to 783 at the same time last season and a 11,546 prior 5-year average during the same week).
- Influenza-related deaths reported to date: 5 (compared to 2 at the same time last year).
Tips to Prevent the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. The CDC also indicates you can get a flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time, including a booster dose. The coronavirus vaccine does not work against influenza and vice versa.
The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance. People with no health care coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six public health centers or a local community clinic. To find the nearest location, visit the County’s Flu Vaccine Locations page or call 2-1-1 San Diego.
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often;
- Use hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands;
- Stay away from sick people;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
- Clean commonly touched surfaces; and
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
During the 2020-2021 flu season, a total of 848 influenza cases were reported in San Diego, including two deaths. During the 2019-2020 flu season, more than 20,700 flu cases were reported and 108 San Diegans died from influenza.