Sixth Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In San Diego County

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

A 59-year-old East County woman died Nov. 23, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. There was no indication she had received this season's flu shot, and she had additional unspecified medical issues, health officials said.

"Influenza deaths are very unfortunate, but they do occur," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "This death serves as a strong reminder of the importance of getting a flu shot."

The county tracks flu activity year-round during each flu season, which corresponds with the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30.

County health officials received reports of 203 lab-confirmed flu cases last week. To date, 930 flu cases have been reported this season, more than double the 455 cases that had been reported at the same time last year.

This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Health officials continued to urge residents to get a flu shot. Flu activity tends to increase during the holiday season when people usually stay indoors and gather in large groups.

County health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly advise the annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, 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.

– City News Service contributed to this report.