Woman's Flu-Related Death is County's First This Season

SAN DIEGO, CA — The first flu-related death in San Diego County this season has occurred, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported Thursday. Officials said a 73-year-old woman died of complications due to influenza.

The woman — whose identity was not disclosed — tested positive for influenza A and died Tuesday after a brief hospitalization. Health officials said she was not vaccinated against the flu and had existing medical conditions.

“This is one of the earliest deaths from seasonal influenza ever reported in the county,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, county deputy public health officer. “The seasonal influenza vaccine is widely available and we urge everyone six months of age and older to get it before flu activity increases.”

Last season, the first flu death occurred Oct. 28 and 67 other San Diego County residents died from influenza, including two children.

Sixty lab-confirmed influenza cases have been reported so far this season compared to 68 at this point last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported influenza activity is low across the United States, although localized influenza outbreaks have been reported.

“The best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated, and the time to do it is now,” Thihalolipavan said.

The current flu vaccines offer protection against pandemic H1N1, as well as influenza A H3N2 and influenza B strains.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, including people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and people 65 years and older.

More information about free flu shot clinics this month throughout the region is available at Sdiz.org or by calling 211.