San Diego flu deaths increase, cases up significantly

Flu deaths in San Diego County went up in the last week of December, and the number of lab-confirmed cases skyrocketed.

According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, six additional flu deaths were reported, bringing this season’s total to 11 deaths. Four flu deaths had been reported at the same time last season.

Also, nearly 2,227 new flu cases were reported last week, raising this season’s total to 3,873, which is nearly 3,300 more cases than the 599 cases that had been reported at the same time in 2016.

“Influenza can be deadly, especially for the elderly and the very young,” Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, county deputy public health officer, said. “The number of flu cases that were reported last week is the highest in a single week that we have seen in recent years. We urge the public to get vaccinated against the flu.”

For the week ending Dec. 23, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows that emergency department visits for influenza-like illness were 7 percent of all visits as compared to 5 percent the previous week. There were 2,227 lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week, as compared to 563 cases the previous week.

To avoid getting sick, people should remember to wash their hands thoroughly and often; use hand sanitizers; stay away from sick people; avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and clean commonly touched surfaces frequently.

Lastly, stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid spreading the flu.