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Flu death toll rises to 50 in San Diego County

The ages of the new flu deaths ranged from 53 to 80 years of age and all had underlying medical conditions.

SAN DIEGO — Eleven additional deaths were reported in San Diego last week, bringing this season’s total to 50, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced Wednesday.

The ages of the new flu deaths ranged from 53 to 80 years of age and all had underlying medical conditions.

The number of new lab-confirmed influenza cases dropped again last week, a sign that flu activity might be easing in San Diego. A total of 1,702 cases were reported in the region last week, compared to 1,884 the previous week.

“Of the 11 influenza deaths reported last week, only two occurred last week,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The fact that flu cases continued to decline could be a sign that influenza has peaked in San Diego. However, the flu is very unpredictable, and we could see case increases in the weeks to come.”

The County Health and Human Services Agency publishes the Influenza Watch weekly report, which tracks key flu indicators and summarizes influenza surveillance in the region.

For the week ending Feb. 1, 2020, the report shows the following:

  • Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 8% of all visits (compared to 8% the previous week)
  • Total influenza deaths to date: 50 (compared to 24 at this time last season)
  • Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 13,569 (compared to 3,938 last season)

When to Seek Medical Help

People with influenza-like symptoms continue to crowd local emergency departments and are taxing some hospitals.

County health officials are encouraging people who are sick to first contact their health care provider by telephone or arrange an urgent appointment.  You should go to an emergency department when you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or abdominal pain
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

How to Prevent the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.

Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:

  • People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
  • Pregnant women
  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and often
  • Use hand sanitizers
  • Stay away from sick people
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Clean commonly touched surfaces
  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others

The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 211 San Diego.

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