DEADLIEST FLU SEASON

County urges residents to get flu vaccine

Source: County News Service

September 28, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - Last influenza season had the most deaths in San Diego since the County began tracking the disease. Seventy people died due to complications from the flu, the highest number ever recorded by the County Health and Human Services Agency.

Although the majority of individuals who die from influenza are adults with pre-existing medical conditions, their deaths serve as a strong reminder for people to get vaccinated every year. Influenza can be deadly—and the County is urging everyone age six months and older to get a flu short. 

It takes weeks for immunity to develop, so now is the time to get vaccinated before the flu starts to spread, according to county health officials.

Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:

• People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if your symptoms are under control
• Pregnant women
• People 65 years and older
• People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten says,  “Getting a flu shot every year is important because the vaccine effectiveness declines over time.The best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.”

The influenza vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies and County public health centers for people with no medical insurance.  

You can also visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1 San Diego to find a list of County locations.