County reports 4 new flu deaths, cases down in San Diego

An additional four flu deaths were reported in the region last week; at the same time, however, the number of influenza cases went down significantly, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced April 11.

The ages of the four people who died ranged from 69 to 90 years of age and all had underlying medical conditions. The new deaths bring this season’s total to 59. In comparison, 333 flu fatalities had been reported at the same time last year.

The number of lab-confirmed cases dropped to 313 cases last week, from 556 cases the week before. To date, 8,764 flu cases have been reported this season, compared to the 20,362 cases that had been reported last year.

Like the rest of the country, the most commonly identified flu strain causing local illnesses is now influenza A H3N2, which tends to sicken the elderly and the young, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. Influenza A Pandemic H1N1 continues to circulate and a low number of influenza B viruses are also being reported.

“While influenza appears to be waning, it is still important for people to continue taking precautions to avoid getting sick,” Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer, said.

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 April 6, the Influenza Watch report showed that emergency department visits for influenza-like illness were 4 percent of all visits, compared to 5 percent as the previous week.

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 if they are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.