An 83-year-old San Diego man died Feb. 5 from the influenza virus, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported Wednesday.
Health officials said he had underlying medical conditions, and his death was one of the more than 600 cases reported last week. Six people have died in San Diego County as a result of the influenza virus.
The week ending Feb. 13, 616 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported, a number more than double the previous week's numbers, when 266 cases were reported.
“Influenza activity in the region is intensifying though it is still below last year’s level,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer, in a statement. “It is not too late to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective and very well matched with the strains of flu that are circulating this season.”
Last year, 97 people died locally from complications from the flu, the HHSA said.
Six percent of all emergency department visits this year are for influenza-like symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine annually. This season’s flu shot offers protection against several strains, including Influenza A H3N2, Pandemic H1N1-like and Influenza B strains.
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The CDC said vaccination is especially important for those considered high risk for developing serious complications from influenza. This includes pregnant women, children under 5 years old, people 65 years old and older, people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease and those who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.
The vaccine is available even if you don’t have health insurance at Community Health Centers or County public health centers. A list of those locations is available here.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the HHSA said people should take other precautions against the flu, including consistent and thorough hand-washing and using hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, and often clean commonly touched surfaces. If you’re sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
