Public Health Officer: Vaccinate Before Flu Spreads
The latest figures show influenza activity in San Diego County is currently low, which is normal for this time of the year; however, the virus has already claimed a life this season.
That is why County Health and Human Service Agency officials are reminding the public to get vaccinated before the flu starts to spread.
“The past three flu seasons in San Diego County have been very deadly. People should get vaccinated,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The flu can kill, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus.”
Ninety-seven people died locally from complications from the flu last year, the most since the County began keeping records. That’s 27 more people than the previous season.
For the week ending October 31, 2015, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 2 percent of all visits (down from 3 percent the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 7 (up from 6 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 1 (compared to 0 last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 87 (compared to 80 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 two weeks for immunity to develop.
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 County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.