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SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diego County has recorded its first influenza-related death this season, involving a 52-year-old woman with health problems, the agency said Wednesday. the person.
The unidentified resident of San Diego died last Friday, according to the HHSA, according to which her immunization status was unclear.
Two influenza-related deaths were reported in the region at the same time last year.
"Every death is tragic and our condolences go to the family of the individual," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "This death is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of being vaccinated against the flu."
Last season, 342 people in San Diego County died from complications from the flu, 255 more than the previous season and the highest since the county started tracking the number of deaths from the flu. the flu almost 20 years ago. The majority of them were over 65 years old and suffering from medical conditions, but two children also died of the flu last year, while the flu season was raging across the country.
For the week ending Nov. 3, the HHSA reported 26 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, up from 24 the previous week, with a total of 155 lab-confirmed cases to date, compared with 383 last season. Emergency visits for ILI accounted for 2% of all visits, unchanged from the previous week, according to the HHSA.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against influenza each year. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of developing serious complications of the flu, including people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if the symptoms are under control ; pregnant women; people 65 years old and over; and people who live with or care for people at higher risk.
In addition to being vaccinated, the following people must also take the following steps to avoid getting sick:
– wash your hands thoroughly and often;
– use hand sanitizers;
– stay away from sick people;
– avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and
– clean frequently touched surfaces.
If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
Influenza vaccine is available in physicians' offices and retail pharmacies. People without medical insurance can get vaccinated at a county public health center. For a list of sites, visit www.sdiz.org or call numbers 2 to 1.
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