【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, May 12, 2022】 Per County of San Diego Communications Office, last week, 189 lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported in the region, a figure that is now far exceeding the number of infections identified during the same week in previous seasons, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today. (Photo from County of San Diego Communications Office)

In comparison, seven flu cases were reported during the same week last season and an average of 35 infections were identified during the same period over the past five seasons.

“By this time, the influenza season should be winding down, but that is not what we are seeing this year. Cases have increased and remained steady over the past few weeks,” Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Many San Diegans are getting sick with influenza week after week. If you have not gotten vaccinated, you should do it now. Remember, it is not too late to vaccinate!”

No new flu deaths were reported in the past week. Influenza-related deaths remain at five for the 2021-2022 season.

The flu vaccine, Wooten said, is especially recommended for people at higher risk of developing complications from the flu. They include:

• People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
• Pregnant women
• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

The latest Influenza Watch Report from the County Health and Human Services Agency shows the following for the week ending May 7, 2022:

• Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 3% of all visits (compared with 3% the previous week).
• Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 189 (compared to 160 the previous week).
• Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 2,906 (compared to 795 at the same time last season and a 11,636 prior 5-year average during the same week).
• Influenza-related deaths reported to date: 5 (compared to 2 at the same time last year).

Tips to Prevent the Flu

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 a flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time, including a booster dose. The coronavirus vaccine does not work against influenza and vice versa.

The influenza vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance. People with no health care coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six public health centers or a local community clinic. To find the nearest location, visit the County’s Flu Vaccine Locations page or call 2-1-1 San Diego.

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

• Wash hands thoroughly and often;
• Use hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands;
• Stay away from sick people;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Clean commonly touched surfaces; and
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.

During the 2020-2021 flu season, a total of 848 influenza cases were reported in San Diego, including two deaths. During the 2019-2020 flu season, more than 20,700 flu cases were reported and 108 San Diegans died from influenza.

(Source: County of San Diego Communications Office)

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