SAN DIEGO–Four new influenza deaths were reported during the week ending Feb. 27, bringing this season’s total to 15, the County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
The ages of those who died ranged from 41 to 95, and three did not have any known underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, a total of 969 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported the week ending Feb. 27, compared to 863 cases reported the previous week.
“Influenza activity in the region continues to be widespread and, unfortunately, four more people succumbed to the disease,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The flu can be very unpredictable. People should get vaccinated and take other preventive measures to avoid getting sick.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.
This season’s flu vaccine offers protection against several strains of the flu including influenza A H3N2, pandemic H1N1-like, and influenza B strains.
