A 65-year-old man from East County is the first flu death reported in San Diego County this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The man, who was also diagnosed with the new coronavirus, died on January 13, had underlying medical problems and had been vaccinated against the flu.
“Influenza deaths are very unfortunate, but they occur every flu season,” said Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, a county public health officer. “Although flu activity has been very low this season, San Diegans should be vaccinated against the flu to avoid getting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time.”
As of January 30, 2021, 39 people were diagnosed with influenza and COVID-19 at the same time.
To date, 677 cases of influenza have been reported in the region, compared with 11,863 cases recorded at the same time last year. A total of 108 people died of the flu last season.
Your best chance against the flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks to develop immunity.
Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
- People with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 and over
- People who live with or care for others who are most at risk
In addition to being vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Stay away from sick people
- Wash your hands frequently
- Use hand sanitizers
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean commonly touched surfaces
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with other people
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a county public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit the county flu website or call 211 San Diego.