San Diego Flu Deaths Increase to 57, Cases Drop Again
The number of influenza deaths in San Diego County increased to 57 after seven more fatalities were reported last week, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The ages of the new flu deaths ranged from 60 to 89 years of age and all had underlying medical conditions.
A total of 1,548 lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported last week, compared to 1,689 cases the prior week. The continued decrease in flu cases is an indication that flu activity in the region is easing.
“While influenza cases have continued to decline, flu activity is still widespread in the region,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “People should continue getting vaccinated and taking other preventive measures to avoid getting sick.”
The number of people showing up at local emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms has remained steady at 8% for several weeks.
The County Health and Human Services Agency publishes the Influenza Watch weekly report, which tracks key flu indicators and summarizes influenza surveillance in the region.
For the week ending Feb. 8, 2020, the report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 8% of all visits (compared to 8% the previous week).
- Total influenza deaths to date: 57 (compared to 30 at this time last season).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 15,097 (compared to 4,414 last season).
When to Seek Medical Help
People with influenza-like symptoms continue to crowd local emergency departments and are taxing some hospitals.
County health officials are encouraging people who are sick to first contact their health care provider by telephone or arrange an urgent appointment. You should go to an emergency department when you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough
How to Prevent the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.
Flu 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 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
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 211 San Diego.