Five more people in San Diego County died from the flu last week, bringing the total to 19, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today.
The latest Influenza Watch report for the week ending Jan. 26, 2013 states the following:
- Total influenza deaths: 19 (up from 14)
- Influenza-like-illness at emergency departments: 12 percent (10 percent last week)
- New lab-confirmed influenza cases: 861 (503 last week)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 2,041 (up from 1,179)
The agency said that despite the increase, the numbers are in line with previous years.
The deceased have ranged in age from 46 to 97 years, and all but one had an underlying medical condition, according to HHSA.
The total number of deaths surpassed last flu season when 14 deaths were reported and is now the fourth highest on record, stated HHSA.
“Influenza continues to be widespread and, unfortunately, five more people died from complications from the flu,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer in a County press release. “We have had mild flu seasons in the past two years, while this year has strains that are making people sicker. That is why it is extremely important that people get vaccinated to avoid getting sick.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine unless they are allergic.
