Flu cases are already high enough for health officials to predict a ‘very disruptive’ season

More than 1,650 San Diegans have been diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed flu cases this season, according to San Diego County Public Health officials.

The 1,664 cases reported locally since July 1 are more than seven times the 217 reported during the same period last year during the 2021-22 flu season, with many pandemic restrictions still in place. It has been.

But as more people have returned to offices and social activities since the pandemic eased, officials told residents on Thursday to familiarize them with the signs and symptoms of flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and to prevent the flu. urged to be vaccinated against yourself and your family.

Although the county monitors flu activity year-round, the flu season is typically October through March each year.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma J. Wooten said: “San Diegan must do their part to prevent the spread of these diseases.

“I want to remind San Diegans to take precautions that have been shown to be effective in protecting them from illnesses, including the flu,” she said.

At Patrick Henry High School, hundreds of students fell ill with an unknown respiratory illness last week. , explained that it was fairly standard.

“Even in the age of COVID, most cases of flu-like illness go untested,” he said. It is done to evaluate other causes in certain cases, or when appropriate treatment is not clear.”

While respiratory illnesses historically increase in the fall and winter as many people move gatherings indoors, flu activity typically does not peak until December or January.

Both COVID-19 and influenza spread from person to person, especially indoors and in crowded places. Symptoms of both viruses include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and cough.

Because flu and COVID have similar symptoms but different treatments, county officials said testing is the best tool to help sick people decide on a course of action.

“Get tested for COVID-19 and flu if you develop respiratory symptoms, and stay away from other people if you are sick,” Wooten said. “Protect yourself and your loved ones. Seek treatment if your symptoms worsen or if you have underlying medical conditions that increase your risk of serious consequences from the flu or COVID.”

During the 2021-2022 flu season, 4,192 flu cases were reported and 8 San Diegan deaths. During the 2020-2021 flu season, when most businesses, schools and other venues were closed due to COVID, San Diego reported flu cases totaled 848, including two deaths. .

– City News Service