SAN DIEGO (CNS) - There were 24 influenza-related deaths in San Diego County last year, the second highest total ever reported in our region, San Diego County health officials announced Friday.
The announcement came as health officials kicked off their annual influenza vaccination campaign in preparation for "flu season."
According to the county Health and Human Services Department, the illness kills about 30,000 people annually in the U.S.
The previous record was established during the 2009-10 flu season, at the height of the H1-N1 outbreak, when 58 flu patients died in San Diego County.
County health officials say flu vaccinations can prevent the onset of the disease or lessen its impact.
The vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors offices and retail pharmacies. County public health centers have flu vaccine available for children and for adults with no medical insurance.
Other precautions include washing hands thoroughly and often, and using hand sanitizers; avoiding sick people; not touching the eyes, nose, or mouth; and routinely cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
County health officials kick off annual flu vaccination campaign
There were 24 influenza-related deaths in San Diego County last year, the second highest total ever reported in our region, San Diego County health officials announced Friday.