There were more than 600 cases of influenza in San Diego County last week, marking the highest number of lab-confirmed flu cases so far this flu season, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.
Three people died of the flu last week increasing the number of flu deaths in San Diego County to 45 this flu season. To compare, last year’s flu season claimed 288 lives.
County officials identified the three patients as a 33-year-old man from East County, a 44-year-old man from North County and a 101-year-old woman from San Diego.
Each had an underlying medical condition, the agency said.
Six percent of emergency room visits were related to the flu for the week of March 2, according to health officials.
Lab-confirmed cases of influenza rose to 616 in the same week, compared to 538 reported the previous week.
Even though county officials believe the peak of the flu season has passed, it is still possible to get sick so they are urging residents to consider getting the flu vaccine.
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In total, 6,094 cases have been reported so far this season, while at that time last year, 18,137 cases were reported, according to the county.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu shots for those older than 6 months.
To get vaccinated, San Diegans can go to a public health center. To find the location right for you, visit the county’s website or call 211.
