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Six more flu deaths reported, cases increase in San Diego

Six additional influenza deaths were reported recently, bringing this season’s total to 63, compared to 35 at this time last season, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced Feb. 19, after the Village News’ press deadline.

The ages of the new flu deaths ranged from 55 to 84 years, and all had underlying medical conditions.

After two weeks of declines, the number of lab-confirmed cases increased slightly last week, when 1,637 cases were reported. In comparison, 1,520 flu cases were reported the previous week. To date, 16,706 cases have been reported.

“Influenza activity is unpredictable, and weekly case totals could go up and down during the season,” Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer, said. “It’s important that people continue getting vaccinated since influenza could last through April and even May.”

For the first time in several weeks, the number of people showing up at local emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms dropped from 8% to 7% last week.

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. 15, the report showed there have been 16,706 total lab-confirmed cases to date, compared to 4,848 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

· 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

 

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