Health & Fitness
Third Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In San Diego County
An 80-year-old North County man died Nov. 1, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.
SAN DIEGO — Health officials have confirmed the third flu-related death of the 2019-20 flu season in San Diego County.
An 80-year-old North County man died Nov. 1, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency. The man, whose name was withheld, had been vaccinated and had underlying medical conditions.
"Influenza can be deadly, especially for those with underlying medical conditions," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "Our condolences go out to the man's family and friends."
Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The county tracks flu activity year-round during each flu season, which corresponds with the county's fiscal year from July 1 to June 30.
The first death of this flu season was reported in August.
Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The county also confirmed 58 flu cases last week, nearly double the 30 confirmed cases from the previous week. Health officials have already confirmed 420 flu cases this season. At this time last flu season, officials had confirmed only 157 cases.
"The higher number of cases is an indication that influenza activity is increasing in the region," Wooten said. "If you have not gotten a flu shot, do it now. The vaccine is here and readily available."
Last season, 77 people died from the flu and 9,655 lab-confirmed cases were reported in the San Diego region, according to health officials. That was down from the previous season's 343 deaths and 20,833 lab-confirmed cases.
Health officials advise 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 sanitizer, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding contact with sick people.
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.
Previous coverage:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
