County health officials announced today a 42-year man with underlying medical conditions died on Dec.9 of the Influenza amid an uptick of cases which continue to increase from last week.
It was reported that he was not vaccinated against influenza and had tested negative for Covid-19.
The County Health and Human Services Agency is reporting 192 lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week ending Dec. 25, a slight increase from the previous week when 188 flu infections were reported.
“Vaccination is the best defense we have against the flu,” said Cameron Kaiser, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “Flu season generally peaks between December and February, and this season’s first flu death reminds us that San Diegans who have not gotten immunized should do it now to protect themselves from becoming ill.
For the week ending Dec. 25, the county reports emergency department visits for influenza and illness encompassed 5 percent of all visits. This is an increase compared to 4 percent from the previous week.
There were a total of 192 confirmed cases for the week compared to 188 in the previous week. To date, there are a total of 1,052 cases.
In 2020, a total of 848 influenza cases were reported in San Diego, including two deaths. In 2019, a total of 108 San Diegans died from influenza and more than 20,700 flu cases were reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. Immunity takes about two weeks to develop. According to the CDC, it is possible to receive vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, including a booster dose.
The coronavirus vaccine does not work against influenza and vice versa. County health officials say the flu vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk of having serious complications from the virus.
The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance. People with no health care coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six public health centers or a local community clinic. To find the nearest location, visit the County’s Flu Vaccine Locations page or call 2-1-1 San Diego.
County health officials recommend the following personal hygiene practices 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.
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
