San Diego County has already surpassed its average number of pediatric deaths during an entire flu season. NBC 7’s Jeanette Quezada reports.
Three teenagers are among 73 individuals who have died from the flu this season, according to San Diego County's latest respiratory virus data, a statistic that has prompted public health officials to re-promote vaccinations.
The teenagers were not vaccinated against the flu this season, public health officials said. Neither are 80% of 5- to 17-year-olds in San Diego County, which is far below the national average where 42% of 5- to 17-year-olds nationwide have received this year's flu vaccine.
On Thursday afternoon, a spokeswoman from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency released the following information about the three teens, who all contracted Influenza A, and when they died:
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- Dec. 31: A 15-year-old boy from San Diego County's north inland region
- Jan. 5: A 17-year-old girl from San Diego County's north inland region
- Jan. 22: A 14-year-old girl from the southern region of San Diego County
Health officials say only one of them had underlying conditions.
"These recent flu deaths among our youth are tragic and concerning as we head into what historically is the peak of flu season," said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, interim public health officer. "The flu vaccine is the best protection against getting seriously sick and preventing death. This has been a particularly long and difficult flu season compared to recent years and it's not over yet."
Nationwide, 47 kids under 18 have died from flu out of 352 deaths overall, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Jan. 31.
Dr. Mark Beatty, the county's assistant medical director for epidemiology and immunization, said the county is experiencing a late-season surge in cases. He hasn't seen a similar spike since the 2021-22 flu season.
San Diego County's flu deaths
In San Diego County, the number of deaths already recorded during the 2024-25 flu season -- which is tracked from July to July -- has already surpassed the 52 deaths recorded during the 2023-24 season and the yearly average of 30.
About two-thirds of this year's flu deaths were recorded in January (52) and most of them were among people 50 or older.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The COVID-19 vaccine does not work against the flu or vice versa.
Health officials also advise frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, masking indoors and staying home when sick to help prevent the spread.
Cases of influenza are especially serious for at-risk individuals, such as immunocompromised, elderly, young, pregnant or those who have health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Where can I get the flu vaccine in San Diego County?
It's not too late to get a flu shot, experts say. The U.S. flu season typically goes through the spring and we may not have seen the peak yet.
Health officials said even if you've already gotten sick with the flu this season, there is still a chance you can pick up another strain. They urge everyone 6 months and up to get vaccinated.
County officials reminded the public the flu vaccine is available at doctors' offices and pharmacies and is covered by medical insurance. People with no insurance can get vaccinated at one of the county's six public health centers or a local community clinic. Call 211 for more information.
What is the flu?
Flu is a common, highly-contagious respiratory illness that can create a week's worth of miserable symptoms ranging from fever and chills to coughing and sore throat irritation to runny noses and body aches. It transmits easily from person to person.
Flu activity is high nationally and continues to increase across the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control FluView surveillance report for the week ending on Jan. 25, the most recent data available.
In the U.S., flu activity tends to peak between December and February. However, this year’s flu season started much later than usual, ramping up in December and taking off after the holidays. According to many experts, the peak has yet to come, and elevated flu activity is expected to continue for weeks.
At least 41 states are currently reporting "very high" or "high" influenza-like illness activity, including California,per the CDC.
So far, there have been at least 20 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths from influenza this season, according to CDC estimates.
What if I am sick with the flu?
In most cases, people will recover from flu on their own without treatment within about a week.
Rest, hydration and over-the-counter fever or pain medication can help. Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can help treat or prevent illness and are especially important for high-risk groups, per the CDC.
City News Service and TODAY contributed to this report.
