SAN DIEGO - Flu deaths in San Diego County increased last week, as the region saw six new flu-related deaths.
The new report brings the region's total to 39 deaths this flu season. The victims were aged 36 to 96 years old, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.
“Influenza can be very unpredictable and case counts can go up or down from one week to the next,” Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer, said in a release. “That’s why it’s important for people to get vaccinated and to take other preventive measures.”
The county reported that after three weeks of decline, the number of flu cases increased last week from 287 to 361 cases this week. The total of lab-confirmed cases this entire season is now at 2,762.
For the week of Feb. 4, the county recorded five percent of all hospital emergency room visits were for flu-related illnesses.
County health officials advised residents to wash their hands thoroughly, stay away from sick people, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and to stay home if they're sick in order to minimize their risk of catching the flu.
Mark Saunders is a KGTV digital producer. Follow him on Twitter at @10NewsSaunders.
