San Diego flu deaths increase, cases up significantly

Flu deaths in San Diego County went up in the last week of December, and the number of lab-confirmed cases skyrocketed.

According to the County Health and Human Services Agency, six additional flu deaths were reported, bringing this season’s total to 11 deaths. Four flu deaths had been reported at the same time last season.

Also, nearly 2,227 new flu cases were reported last week, raising this season’s total to 3,873, which is nearly 3,300 more cases than the 599 cases that had been reported at the same time in 2016.

“Influenza can be deadly, especially for the elderly and the very young,” Dr....