Flu activity in San Diego still elevated, mask requirement extended

The number of lab-confirmed flu cases went down again last week, and three additional influenza deaths were reported, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced.

A total of 508 influenza cases were reported last week, compared to the 574 the week before.

Also, three more San Diegans died from complications from the flu, bringing this season’s total to 49. In comparison, 307 San Diegans had died at the same time last year.

The three people who died were an 84-year-old man from San Diego, a 62-year-old woman from San Diego and a 50-year-old woman from East County. All three had underlying medical conditions.

“Influenza activity in the region is still elevated. People should continue taking precautions to avoid getting sick,” Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer, said. “The flu vaccine is safe and effective.”

The number of people with influenza-like symptoms who showed up at local emergency departments went up one percentage point last week, reaching 6 percent again.

Due to continued elevated influenza activity in the county, Wooten is extending – until April 30 – the order for unvaccinated health care personnel to wear a mask while they’re in patient care areas. If influenza activity remains elevated, a further extension may be required.

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

For the week ending March 16, the Influenza Watch report showed 7,184 total lab-confirmed cases to date, compared to 19,442 cases at this time last season.

People should 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 and anyone who is sick should stay home and avoid contact with others.