Two New Child Deaths Added to Flu Totals Last Season as New Season Approaches

The 2024-25 flu season was one of the most severe in a decade for hospitalizations and deaths. As the County enters a new flu season, doctors are worried it could be just as bad, in part due to low and declining vaccination rates.

To turn that around and build support from the regional medical community in advance of the season, a Kick the Flu +2 Summit was held this week in Kearny Mesa at the County Operations Center. The gathering brought together health professionals, clinicians, educators, and public health advocates to discuss the latest vaccine recommendations, review data trends and share effective strategies to boost immunization rates.

Seasonal flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person, mostly through droplets in the air, when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Though less common, it also can be transmitted by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The flu annually fills emergency departments, hospital rooms and too often leads to deaths, even among the youngest.

San Diego County last year recorded nearly 40,000 cases of the flu. Those cases resulted in 220 deaths compared to 63 deaths in the previous season. Seven of those fatalities were children, up from two the previous season when 6,127 pediatric flu cases were reported, and the highest number of child deaths since 2009/2010 when four were recorded.

"It is a tragedy to report these seven pediatric deaths from the flu and our hearts go out to the families grieving the loss of children," Dr. Seema Shah, Medical Director of County Epidemiology and Immunization Services, told those attending the flu summit. "An annual flu vaccine will give you and your family the best protection from severe illness and death."

Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot each year, ideally before the end of October, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is especially important for those with underlying conditions and a high risk of flu complications.

Flu season in San Diego generally runs from October through May, with peak activity usually between December and February. It often is unpredictable. Last year's flu season peaked twice, at the end of December and in early February, and then stayed around longer than usual contributing to the higher case numbers.

Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body or muscle aches
• Headache
• Feeling very tired
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan has some simple advice on the vaccination.

"It doesn't matter where you go to get vaccinated, just that you do get vaccinated," Dr. Thihalolipavan said. "The more people who get vaccinated, the better protected we will be as a community."

Flu vaccinations can be scheduled through a health care provider or local pharmacy. Online, people can secure an appointment at My Turn - California Vaccine Scheduling & Information Site. Those without insurance can get the vaccine at a County health clinic.