Flu Death Toll Rises To 74 In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO — Eleven more flu-related deaths were reported last week in San Diego County, bringing this flu season's death toll to 74, county health officials announced Thursday. There were 41 flu-related deaths at this time last season.

Among the deaths was a 26-year-old woman from South County who died Feb. 13 from influenza B, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. Only two of the 11 reported deaths occurred last week, and all had underlying medical conditions.

"Influenza can be deadly, especially for those with existing chronic health conditions," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent from getting sick."

Although the flu death toll went up, the total number of flu cases dropped again last week. The county recorded 1,232 cases last week, which was 402 fewer cases compared to the previous week. There have been 17,935 flu cases so far this season, compared to 5,486 at this time last season.

County health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year, especially in demographics with a heightened risk of serious complications, such as children, people age 65 or older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease.

The flu shot is available at doctors' offices and retail pharmacies. Visit www.sdiz.org or call 211 San Diego for a list of locations offering the vaccine.