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Health

No Flu Deaths Reported Last Week

A boy with the flu takes his temperature at his home in San Diego, Feb. 14, 2018.
Susan Murphy
A boy with the flu takes his temperature at his home in San Diego, Feb. 14, 2018.

With no influenza-related deaths reported last week, San Diego County's final flu report of the season shows a death toll of 341 people out of 20,747 cases overall, the county Health and Human Services Agency announced Wednesday.

County officials monitor the flu all year, so totals could change from now through June 30 when the current season officially ends.

RELATED: How Long Are You Contagious With The Flu?

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"While we're glad to see cases declining, we know that they are reported year round," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "It is important that people get a flu shot every year, as strains may change each year."

The flu claimed San Diego County residents aged 1 to 101 years old this flu season. Forty-four percent were under 65 years old and most of the patients who died had underlying medical conditions, according to the county.

Last week, 96 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported: a decrease from 101 cases the previous week. Patients with flu-like symptoms accounted for 1 percent of emergency department visits.

RELATED: Are We Prepared For A Killer Flu Epidemic?

There were 86 flu deaths this time last season, and 5,484 cases.

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The high number of deaths this year is due to an unusually severe flu season, but also better reporting and tracking by the local medical community, according to county health officials.