San Diego flu cases surge to 5-year high during "quad-demic" of illness
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Data and charts: San Diego County
Heading into peak flu season, San Diego County is seeing its highest rates of flu cases in five years, public health department data shows.
The big picture: A "quad-demic" of illness is hitting simultaneously this winter with high levels of influenza A, COVID, RSV and norovirus cases around the country that has strained hospitals locally and nationwide.
- The spread of respiratory illnesses is at "very high" levels across California and most other states, according to the latest CDC data.
By the numbers: More than 4,100 flu cases were reported in San Diego County for the week ending Feb. 1, compared to about 700 cases that time last year.
- 405 people were hospitalized that week and 73 people have died from the flu since December.
Driving the news: County public health officials are encouraging residents, particularly kids, to get this season's flu vaccine after three teens who were unvaccinated recently died from the flu.
- Nearly 80% of 5- to 17-year-olds in the county have not received the shot.
- At the start of the season, fewer kids were getting flu vaccines nationally and in California.
What they're saying: "This has been a particularly long and difficult flu season compared to recent years and it's not over yet," the county's interim public health officer Dr. Ankita Kadakia said in a statement.
- "The flu vaccine is the best protection against getting seriously sick and preventing death," she said. "It's not too late."
Zoom in: Local residents can get the flu shot at doctors' offices and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, and it's covered by health insurance.
- Uninsured individuals can get vaccinated at public health centers or community clinics.