Flu deaths in San Diego County have reached an all-time high of 72 this season, the county Health and Human Services Agency reported Wednesday.
The number tops the previous record of 70 flu deaths for the 2013-2014 season. Sixty-one people had died from influenza by this time last year.
Those who died this season range in age from 51 to 104 years old, and all had underlying medical conditions.
“This is the deadliest flu season we’ve ever recorded in the region,” said Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten in a news release. “Unfortunately, the majority of the people who died had not been vaccinated.”
Last week, influenza-like illness made up 5 percent of county emergency room visits. In total, San Diego has seen 6,234 lab-confirmed flu cases, compared to 3,789 last season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has admitted this year’s vaccine is barely protecting people, reducing the risk of serious disease by just 23 percent.
Because of this, county health officials say people with flu symptoms should contact their doctor immediately to see if they need antiviral drugs, which are recommended for pregnant women, people 65 years and older, people who live and care for other high risk people, or those with chronic medical conditions.
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The antiviral drugs work best if you start taking them within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
Still, the HHSA says the vaccine covers some strains of the flu, so officials recommend getting it.
Other ways to avoid getting sick are washing your hands often, using hand sanitizers, avoiding touching your face, cleaning surfaces and staying away from sick people, the HHSA says.
