Flu deaths in San Diego County went up last week and the number of lab-confirmed cases skyrocketed.
According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, six additional flu deaths were reported last week, bringing this season’s total to 11. Four flu deaths had been reported at the same time last season.
Also, nearly 2,227 new flu cases were reported last week, raising this season’s total to 3,873, nearly 3,300 more cases than the 599 that had been reported at the same time last year.
“Influenza can be deadly, especially for the elderly and the very young,” said Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “The number of flu cases that were reported last week is the highest in a single week that we have seen in recent years. We urge the public to get vaccinated against the flu.”
For the week ending Dec. 23, 2017, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. 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:
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
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.