SD County flu cases drop, but deaths hit 57

Still, local institutions are faring better than about 85 other California facilities, including a Los Angeles County hospital with 29% of staff vaccinated. Eighteen other San Diego facilities are on track to meet the goal of 90% vaccination or have already achieved it, including Rady Children’s Hospital, which has the highest rate in the state.

San Diego County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said the county’s local health department doesn’t target specific hospitals falling below the goal. She said her office provides education on the importance of flu immunization and circulates an order each year directing all facilities to have vaccination policies in place. The directive also requires masks for unvaccinated employees.

“We are doing the same thing across the board every year and encouraging our facilities to comply,” she said.

Wooten said she was not aware that some hospitals, including those who reported vaccination rates below state goal, permitted exemptions for personal beliefs until contacted by KPBS.

“That’s something we need to explore and determine why that is,” Wooten said.

When to Seek Medical Help

People with influenza-like symptoms continue to crowd local emergency departments and are taxing some hospitals.

County health officials are encouraging people who are sick to first contact their health care provider by telephone or arrange an urgent appointment.  You should go to an emergency department when you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or abdominal pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

How to Prevent the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop.

Flu 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 symptoms are under control
• Pregnant women
• People aged 65 years and older
• 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
• 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 211 San Diego.

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This report was based on reporting by Jose Alvarez, a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office along with Tarryn Mento of KPBS and used by permission.