1st Flu Death Of 2019-20 Flu Season Confirmed In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO — Health officials have confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2019-20 flu season in San Diego County.

A 74-year-old Chula Vista man died Aug. 15 due to complications from Influenza B, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency. The man, whose name was withheld, also had additional medical issues, health officials said.

San Diego County tracks flu activity year-round during each flu season, which corresponds with the county's fiscal year from July 1 to June 30.

"Influenza deaths can occur at any time since influenza circulates throughout the year," said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the county's interim deputy public health officer. "The elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing complications from influenza."

Since July 1, health officials have confirmed 106 flu cases throughout the county. At this time in the last two flu seasons, officials had confirmed just 26 cases in 2018 and 114 in 2017.

A total of 77 people died from the flu last season, whereas the 2017-18 flu season resulted in 342 flu-related deaths – the most since the county began tracking flu data nearly 20 years ago.

The season's flu vaccine will not be widely available around the county until late September, according to health officials. Some local pharmacies and health clinics may have the vaccine before then, however. (Find out where the vaccine is available.)

Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is especially recommended for people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and lung disease, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.

Residents can take precaution against contracting the virus by washing their hands, using hand sanitizers, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, avoiding contact with sick people, and by avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

"It's important to practice good hand hygiene and stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others," Sidelinger said. "People should cover their mouth when causing and sneezing to prevent the spread of germs."