2nd Influenza Death Reported In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — San Diego County reported its second influenza death of the season Wednesday, a 95-year-old man from the North Coastal region of the county.

According to the county Health and Human Services Agency, the man had underlying medical conditions and died on Jan. 5. He was also routinely tested for COVID-19, for which he tested negative.

Influenza cases continue to decline, the HHSA reported, with 29 new cases reported for the week ending Saturday -- 14 fewer than the previous week. In comparison, 26 flu infections were reported during the same week last season.

"While the slowing of influenza activity in our region is good news, the new death being reported today is a sad reminder of how dangerous the flu can be," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "Protect yourself and your loved ones and get the flu shot. It is the best defense we have against influenza."

For the week ending Saturday, the agency reported that emergency department visits for influenza-like illness were 5% of all visits, down from 7% the previous week.

Total lab-confirmed cases to date number 1,314, compared to 668 at the same time last season.

Last season, 848 influenza cases were reported in San Diego County, including two deaths. In 2019, a total of 108 San Diegans died from influenza and more than 20,700 flu cases were reported.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. People with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people age 65 and older and people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk are all more likely to get seriously sick from the flu.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the virus.

The 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 at sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/immunization_branch/Vaccine_Pr eventable_Diseases/Seasonal_Influenza/Flu_Vaccine_Locations.html or call 211.

In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials said people should also do the following:

-- wash hands thoroughly and often;
-- use hand sanitizers;
-- avoid sick people;
-- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
-- clean commonly touched surfaces; and
-- if sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.

Every Wednesday during flu season, the HHSA publishes the Influenza Watch weekly report, which tracks key flu indicators and summarizes influenza surveillance in the region.

— City News Service