Health & Fitness
Flu Death Toll Hits 269 In San Diego County
At this time last season, there were 49 flu-related deaths in the region.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – There were 18 influenza-related deaths reported last week, bringing this flu season's total to 269 in the San Diego region, according to data released Wednesday.
People ages 1 to 101 have died from the flu this season in San Diego County, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. Health officials said 34 of the people who have died – 13 percent – were under 65 years old.
"Influenza deaths are very unfortunate, but they occur in higher numbers during a severe flu season," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.
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At this time last season, there were 49 flu-related deaths. In addition to experiencing a severe influenza season, health officials attribute the high number of deaths reported in the region this year to better testing, surveillance and reporting systems.
Influenza H3N2 has been the predominant strain circulating around the county and across the country this season. This strain has a greater impact on the elderly and the very young, health officials said. This season's flu vaccine helps protect against influenza A H3N2, pandemic H1N1-like and influenza B strains.
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"If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, do it now since the flu season can last through April and, sometimes, later," Wooten said.
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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