SAN DIEGO–Flu activity in San Diego County has slowed down in recent weeks, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
For the second week in a row, the number of lab-confirmed flu cases dropped. A total of 501 were reported last week, compared to 973 two weeks ago. Also, the percentage of visits to local emergency departments from people experiencing flu-like symptoms was 3 percent last week, a significant drop from the peak of 13 percent reported in late December.
“Influenza activity has slowed down significantly compared to the end of 2017 when the flu season peaked locally,” said Wilma Wooten M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “While flu activity peaked earlier than in previous seasons, people should continue getting vaccinated since the season is likely to last at least another month, if not longer.”
Fourteen more flu deaths were identified last week, though 10 of these fatalities occurred earlier in the season and have been recently confirmed. A total of 283 local flu deaths have been reported this season.
The ages of the people who have died from flu this season range from 1 to 101. Thirty-six (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.
A higher number of flu deaths is typically reported during a severe influenza season, which the county and the nation are 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.
