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SAN DIEGO – A woman in San Diego County has died of complications from the flu, the second death of the county this year, officials said Wednesday.
The 70-year-old woman, who died on Nov. 14, had other medical problems before contracting the flu, and county health officials did not know if she would be vaccinated.
"It's a constant reminder that the flu can be deadly, especially for the elderly, young children and people with chronic illness," said Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "Vaccination is the best protection against the flu."
The death of this woman is announced as flu diagnoses this season are on the rise: the county recorded 58 confirmed cases during the week of November 11 to 17, 24 more than the previous week.
In the last influenza season, 342 residents of the county died from flu complications, the largest number since the county began screening for influenza and deaths almost 20 years ago. Most victims of influenza have been found among residents over the age of 65 with underlying health problems.
The county's current flu rate is running late compared to last season, according to the county's Health and Social Services Agency, with 189 confirmed cases this season as of Nov. 15, compared with 441 at the same season this year. last season. The county also reported four flu deaths at that time last year.
County health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all people 6 months of age or older get a flu shot every year. People at high risk of serious influenza complications, such as pregnant women, people over 65 and people with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, are strongly encouraged to to get vaccinated.
County residents can be vaccinated at doctors' offices, retail pharmacies, community clinics and the county public health center. Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit the county's vaccination program website, sdiz.com, for a list of county offices administering free vaccines.
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