Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
José A. ÁlvarezCounty of San Diego Communications Office
The number of local flu deaths and lab-confirmed cases being reported this season continues to be elevated compared to last season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced Nov. 22.
A fourth death was reported last week. The person was a 92-year-old man who died Nov. 11 of influenza A. One death had been reported in San Diego County at this time last season.
To date, a total of 574 lab-confirmed cases have been reported in the region this season, 400 more than the 174 that had been reported at the same time last year.
“The number of flu deaths and cases being reported this year continues to outpace the totals from the last season,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The flu can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations. The best protection against the flu is getting vaccinated.”
For the week ending Nov. 18, 2017, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
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