An 89-year-old North County woman is the seventh influenza death reported in the region this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The woman, who died May 9, had underlying medical conditions, had received a flu vaccination, and did not have COVID-19 when she died.
Her death is the second influenza death recorded in the County during the month of May. Health officials note that deaths are uncommon this late in the season.
“We are seeing a late spike of influenza cases in our region this season and it is not too late to get vaccinated against it,” said Cameron Kaiser, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “The same precautions we use for COVID-19 also help protect anyone who is at higher risk of complications from the flu.”
The County also reported an additional 196 lab-confirmed influenza cases in the region last week, a slight increase compared to the prior week, when 176 cases were recorded.
Although the flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months and older, it is especially recommended for people at higher risk of developing complications from the flu. 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 latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending May 21, 2022:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 4% of all visits (compared with 4% the previous week).
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 196 (compared to 176 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 3,274 (compared to 823 at the same time last season and a 11,686 prior 5-year average during the same week).
- Influenza-related deaths reported to date: seven (compared to two last season).
Tips 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 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.
