Influenza Cases Increasing in San Diego County
While influenza activity continues to be mild in the region this season, there has been an increase in cases over the past two weeks, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
Sixty lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported in San Diego County the week ending March 12, up three from the 57 infections reported the week before and 29 more than the 31 cases reported the week prior.
A total of 1,721 flu cases were reported through March 12, more than double the 722 that had been reported at the same time last year. The past two influenza seasons have been much milder than the prior five-year average when 10,240 cases had been reported at this time.
“This season, we’re seeing more San Diegans get sick from influenza compared to last year which was an even milder flu season. However, people should continue taking precautions to avoid getting and spreading influenza,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “San Diegans should get a flu shot, wash their hands regularly and stay home when sick.”
The latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending March 12, 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: 60 (compared to 57 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 1,721 (compared to 722 at the same time last season and a 10,240 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.