An 87-year-old woman from southern San Diego is the fourth County resident who has died from influenza this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The woman died on March 1, had underlying medical conditions and had not been vaccinated against the flu. She did not have COVID-19 at the time she died.
“While this flu season is relatively mild compared to many previous years, influenza-related deaths have already doubled from last season,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “It is not too late to get a flu shot and protect yourself and your loved ones. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended for everyone six months and older.”
The latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending March 5, 2022:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 2% of all visits (compared with 2% the previous week).
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 53 (compared to 29 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 1,657 (compared to 718 at the same time last season and a 9,809 prior 5-year average during the same week).
- Influenza-related deaths reported to date: 4 (compared to 2 at the same time last year).
How 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 flu vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk of having serious complications from the virus.
They 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 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.
