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Source: County of San Diego
December 28, 2017 (San Diego) -- The flu is here and it’s hitting San Diegans hard. So far, 11 people have died locally of the flu this season and more than 3,000 cases have been reported. The rate of new cases is also climbing fast.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the County’s public health officer, says, “The number of flu cases that are being reported is very worrisome,” adding, “We urge the public to get vaccinated against the flu.” Health officials are warning that this could be the worst flu outbreak locally since the swine flu epidemic in 2008.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People 65 years and older, and
- People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Use hand sanitizers
- 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
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
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