Fourth Flu-Associated Death Of The Year Confirmed In San Diego County

A 90-year-old man became the fourth person the San Diego region to die of influenza-related causes this flu season, the county Health and Human Services Agency reported today.

The man, whose name was not released, was already suffering from a medical condition, county health officials said.
Despite the Jan. 19 death, the rate of flu infections in the area is far short of last year’s pace.

According to county health data, 30 people had succumbed to the illness by this time in 2015, and nearly 3,200 people had been sickened. So far his flu season, there have been 728 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases.

“During the previous three seasons, influenza activity in the region at this time of the year was moderately severe,’’ said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer. “This season, the vaccine is working and fewer people are getting sick. However, influenza is very unpredictable and people should still get vaccinated and take other preventive measures.’’

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots annually for everyone at least 6 months old. Vaccination is more important for people with weakened immune systems, as well as those who are pregnant,
elderly or live with or care for others at high risk.

Other suggestions for staying healthy include frequent hand-washing, using hand sanitizers, staying away from sick people, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
Flu vaccines are available at doctors offices and pharmacies.

Those without medical insurance can go to a county public health center to get vaccinated. A list of locations is available at www.sdiz.org or by calling 211.

• Also see: About Zika Virus And Why Pregnant Women Should Be Concerned

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