Flu Deaths Jump to 15, Nearly 1,000 New Cases Reported
The number of flu deaths and cases continued to rise last week.
Four new influenza deaths were reported during the week ending Feb. 27, bringing this season’s total to 15, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The ages of those who died ranged from 41 to 95, and three did not have any known underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, a total of 969 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported the week ending Feb. 27, compared to 863 cases reported the previous week.
“Influenza activity in the region continues to be widespread and, unfortunately, four more people succumbed to the disease,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The flu can be very unpredictable. People should get vaccinated and take other preventive measures to avoid getting sick.”
For the week ending Feb. 27, 2016 (Week 8), the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 6 percent of all visits (down from 7 percent the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 969 (up from 863 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 15 (compared to 83 last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 3,622 (compared to 6,110 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.