SAN DIEGO–Another 18 influenza deaths were reported last week, bringing this season’s total to 269, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.
The ages of the people who have died from flu this season range from 1 to 101. Thirty-four (13 percent) of these deaths were of people under 65 years old, which are the only cases public health agencies are required to report in California. The County informs the public about all flu deaths.
“Influenza deaths are very unfortunate, but they occur in higher numbers during a severe flu season,” said Wilma Wooten M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, do it now since the flu season can last through April and, sometimes, later.”
The predominant strain circulating in the county and the country this season has been influenza H3N2. This strain of influenza has a more severe impact in the elderly and the very young.
A higher number of flu deaths are typically reported during a severe influenza season, which the county and the nation are currently experiencing. In San Diego County, the high number of flu deaths is also due to the County’s broad surveillance and use of reporting systems that provide fast and detailed results.
The number of lab-confirmed flu cases declined last week—from 973 to 721—, after two weeks of increases due primarily to a surge in influenza B cases. This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against influenza A H3N2, pandemic H1N1-like and influenza B strains.
The percentage of people who showed up at local emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms stayed the same last week at 5 percent of all visits. The highest percentage—13 percent—was reported in late December.
