174 Dead From Flu In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The number of flu-related deaths continue to shatter the previous record in San Diego County as an additional 32 deaths were reported last week, bringing the total to 174 this flu season, according to data released Wednesday. The previous record for flu deaths was 97 during the 2014-15 flu season.

According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, 20 of the people who died were under 65 years old, which are the only deaths public health agencies are required to report in California. The county discloses all flu deaths to the public.

Health officials attribute the high number of deaths reported this year in part to better testing, surveillance and reporting systems.

While flu-related deaths and emergency department visits for flu symptoms rose in the region last week, lab-confirmed flu cases declined for the third consecutive week, health officials said. Emergency department visits by people with flu-like symptoms increased last week from 7 percent of all visits to 9 percent, but the number of lab-confirmed cases dropped from 2,170 to 1,183.

The total number of cases to date stands at 13,712, compared to 2,100 at the same time last year, according to county data.

"San Diego is experiencing the same severe flu conditions that are being seen across the country," Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.

Public health officials said it is not too late to get vaccinated for protection against the flu this season, which can extend into April.

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, health officials said.

Vaccinations are particularly important for people with chronic medical conditions, as well as those who are elderly, pregnant, or care for or live with others at high risk.

In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials said people should wash their hands, use hand sanitizers, avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, clean commonly touched surfaces, and stay away from sick people.

Vaccines are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies throughout the county. People without health insurance can go to county public health centers to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org or call 211.

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