Flu Deaths Now at 41, Season May Have Peaked
The number of local influenza deaths is up, yet cases are significantly down, a sign the flu season may have peaked.
During the week ending March 12, a total of 15 new influenza deaths were reported in the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The new deaths bring this season’s total to 41, compared to 90 at the same time last year. The ages of those who have died this season range from 35 to 95, and six had no known underlying medical conditions.
Last week, the number of lab-confirmed flu cases dropped for the second week in a row. A total of 483 cases were reported for the week ending March 12, compared to 847 cases reported the previous week.
“It’s unfortunate the flu continues to take a toll on San Diegans,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “While it appears the flu season may have peaked, flu activity in the region is still elevated. People should get vaccinated and take other precautions to avoid getting sick.”
For the week ending March 12, 2016 (Week 10), the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 6 percent of all visits (6 percent the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 483 (down from 847 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 41 (compared to 90 last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 4,928 (compared to 6,391 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.