First Flu Death Of 2022-23 Season Reported In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — The first flu-related death of the 2022-23 flu season has been reported in San Diego County.

A 55-year-old man from the North Central region of the county died Oct. 15 from influenza, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency. The man had underlying medical conditions and had not been vaccinated against the flu. He tested negative for COVID-19.

New influenza cases continued to increase last week, according to the county. There were 856 lab-confirmed flu cases for the week ending Oct. 22 — an almost 45 percent increase when compared to the previous week, when 591 new infections were reported.

"Every flu death is tragic and our condolences go out to the man's family and friends," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "Unfortunately, we see influenza deaths every fall and winter, and I encourage San Diegans to do their part to stop the spread of illnesses and prevent deaths."

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.

It takes about two weeks after immunization until immunity develops.

"Vaccination is the best defense we have against the flu," Wooten said. "It is still early in the flu season and we are already seeing cases spike, so we have reason to believe that the flu could be extremely disruptive this year. Protect yourself and your family now and get the flu shot as soon as you can."

According to the county, eight people died from influenza and 4,192 flu cases were reported in the San Diego region during the 2021-22 flu season. Two people died and 848 flu cases were reported during the 2020-21 flu season.