County health officials today will remind area residents to get influenza vaccinations as "flu season'' kicks in around San Diego.
The last two years have seen the most fatalities from the illness over the past decade, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.
In the most recent flu season, 70 people died of complications related to the disease in San Diego County, the HHSA said. The year before, the count was 65. Most were elderly and suffering from a pre-existing medical condition.
Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Ron Roberts, HHSA Director Nick Macchione and Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health office, plan a news conference later this morning to provide information about influenza and the importance of vaccinations.
Health officials say that getting a flu shot is the most important action people can take to protect themselves from the illness. The vaccine is already available at doctors' offices and retail pharmacies.
People with no medical insurance can get a flu shot at a county public health center.
People should also wash their hands thoroughly and often; use hand sanitizers; stay home when ill; avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth; and routinely clean commonly touched surfaces.
More information about influenza is available online at www.sdiz.org or by calling 2-1-1 San Diego.
