By County News Center
San Diego, CA–There has been an increase in mild influenza cases over the past two weeks in San Diego County, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
Sixty lab-confirmed flu cases were reported in San Diego County the week ending March 12, up three from the 57 infections reported the week before and 29 more than the 31 cases reported the week prior.
A total of 1,721 flu cases were reported through March 12, more than double the 722 that had been reported at the same time last year. The past two influenza seasons have been much milder than the prior five-year average when 10,240 cases had been reported at this time.
“This season, we’re seeing more San Diegans get sick from influenza compared to last year which was an even milder flu season. However, people should continue taking precautions to avoid getting and spreading influenza,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., County public health officer. “San Diegans should get a flu shot, wash their hands regularly, and stay home when sick.”
The latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending March 12: Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 2% of all visits (compared with 2% the previous week), lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 60 (compared to 57 the previous week).
Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 1,721 (compared to 722 at the same time last season and a 10,240 prior 5-year average during the same week).
Influenza-related deaths reported to date: 4 (compared to 2 at the same time last year).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. The CDC also indicates you can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time, including a booster dose. The coronavirus vaccine does not work against influenza and vice versa.