By County News Center
San Diego, CA–Flu season has arrived early and County health officials are encouraging San Diego county residents to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of influenza, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their family members.
Currently, more than 1,600 San Diegans have been diagnosed with a lab-confirmed case of influenza. The 1,664 cases reported to the County since July 1 of this year, are more than seven times higher than the 217 cases reported at the same time last year during the 2022 – 22 flu season. While the County monitors flu activity year-round, flu season is typically October to March or later each year.
Respiratory illnesses historically increase during fall and winter as many people move gatherings indoors, but flu activity typically does not peak until December or January.
This year, the County has already seen several large suspected respiratory outbreaks in October, including a cluster of illnesses at San Diego County schools. The high number of flu cases and other respiratory illnesses this early in the season is prompting health officials to urge San Diegans to take precautions.
“We have reason to believe that respiratory illnesses could be extremely disruptive in the region this year for businesses, hospitals, and people’s lives. San Diegans must do their part to prevent the spread of these illnesses,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “I want to remind San Diegans to use precautions we know are effective in protecting against illness, including the flu.”
Wooten added that people should take precautions this fall and winter by washing their hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands, staying away from sick people, avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and if sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop after vaccination. The CDC also says you can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time, including the new bivalent booster dose. The COVID-19 vaccine does not work against influenza and vice versa.
The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance. People with no health care coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six public health centers or a local community clinic.
To find the nearest public health center location, visit the County’s Flu Vaccine Locations page or call 2-1-1 San Diego.
