Public health officials encourage citizens to get flu vaccine before virus spreads

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – The latest figures show influenza activity in San Diego County is currently low, which is normal for this time of the year; however, the virus has already claimed a life this season.

A man, who had existing medical conditions, tested positive for influenza A and died on Oct. 28. Last flu season, the first of 97 influenza-related deaths in the county did not occur until January, when activity was higher

That is why County Health and Human Service Agency officials are reminding the public to get vaccinated before the flu starts to spread.

"The past three flu seasons in San Diego County have been very deadly. People should get vaccinated," said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. "The flu can kill, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus."

Ninety-seven people died locally from complications from the flu last year, the most since the County began keeping records. That’s 27 more people than the previous season.

For the week ending Oct. 31, 2015, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report showed that emergency department visits for influenza-like illness equated to two percent of all visits (down from three percent the previous week). Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week totaled seven (up from six the previous week).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine 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: People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often
• Use hand sanitizers
• Stay away from sick people
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean commonly touched surfaces

If one becomes sick, he or she should stay home and avoid contact with others.

The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. Those who don’t have medical insurance can go to a county public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.