【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, June9, 2022】Per County of San Diego Communications Office， summer is just around the corner, but influenza continues to sicken San Diegans. (Photo credit: County of San Diego Communications Office)

A total of 195 lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported last week, a figure similar to flu totals identified in recent weeks and far greater than the sums detected at this time in previous seasons.

During the same week last year, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced five influenza cases, and during the past five seasons, the same time period had an average of 18 flu infections.

Influenza-related deaths remain at seven for the 2021-2022 season.

“Influenza isn’t easing up,” said Cameron Kaiser, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “The same precautions we take for COVID-19 work for the flu, too. And it’s not too late this season to get your flu shot.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months and older, but it is especially important 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 June 4, 2022:

• Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 5% of all visits (up from 4% the previous week).
• Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 195 (down from 206 the previous week).
• Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 3,675 (compared to 835 at the same time last season and a 11,731 prior 5-year average during the same week).
• Influenza-related deaths reported to date: seven (compared to two last season).

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 COVID-19 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)

This website has a free subscription function, please enter your email address and name (any nickname) in the upper right corner of the page. After subscribing, you can receive timely updates of the website. I hope that new and old readers will actively subscribe, so that we have the opportunity to provide you with better services

Please click: Home (wechineseus.com) for more news and content on this website

Follow The Chinese Media's Twitter account: https://twitter.com/wechineseinus

Follow The Chinese Media's Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/wechineseinamerica/