Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
José A. Álvarez County of San Diego Communications Office
A 17-year-old girl died from influenza and is the first pediatric flu death reported this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced March 22.
The teen died Feb. 25, 2017, from influenza A/H3 and had an underlying medical condition. The death was just reported last week.
Three other deaths were also reported last week, bringing this season’s total to 72. That’s compared to 68 deaths last year, including a 9-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.
“Influenza deaths are very unfortunate, but a teen dying from the flu is especially tragic,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Many people may have spring vacations coming up, and you should get vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip.”
To date, the people who died ranged in age from 17 to 98 years old. All except three had underlying medical conditions and most were over the age of 65.
For the week ending March 18, 2017, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
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