A deadly flu season has struck San Diego county, surpassing the number of deaths in the last two seasons combined. The latest data shows 105 flu-related deaths reported so far this season, with four teenagers among those who died and most without a record of receiving a flu shot.
Experts warn that the current flu strain is hitting harder, causing more severe symptoms. Dr. Alice Pong, an infectious disease specialist, notes that many children are at risk due to low vaccination rates (only 20% of kids aged 5-17 have been vaccinated).
“Hospitalizations and cases are increasing rapidly,” said Dr. William Tseng with Kaiser Permanente. “Immunity from vaccines wanes over time, but one shot should last the season.”
The doctors urge people to watch for warning signs of severe illness, including persistent fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and extreme fatigue. They recommend practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, and staying home when sick to help prevent further spread.
As flu season is expected to last until March, officials stress that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. The flu remains the best protection against severe illness and death.
Source: https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2025/02/13/flu-related-deaths-surpass-last-two-seasons-combined-san-diego