A 76-year-old woman from North County is the sixth influenza death reported this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The woman, who died May 6, had underlying medical conditions. She had not gotten a flu vaccination and did not have COVID-19 when she died.
“Our condolences go out the family and friends of the latest flu victim,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Influenza can be deadly, especially for older adults who are more susceptible to the virus. If you have not gotten a flu shot, do it now as influenza continues to sicken people in our communities.”
Of the flu deaths this season, four have been in 2022 and two in late 2021. Last season, a total of two influenza deaths were reported.
The flu vaccine 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 14, 2022:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 4% of all visits (compared with 3% the previous week).
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 179 (compared to 186 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 3,082 (compared to 798 at the same time last season and a 11,660 prior 5-year average during the same week).
- Influenza-related deaths reported to date: six (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.
