In San Diego County, a fourth teenager has tragically lost their life due to the flu, as highlighted in the latest respiratory virus report from the county.

The 16-year-old boy, who resided in the north coastal area, had pre-existing health issues and did not receive a flu vaccination this year, according to a representative from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

Previously, three other teenagers—a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 17-year-old—passed away from flu complications in December and January. Health officials noted that none had been vaccinated this season, with only one having additional medical conditions. Here are the reported cases of these teens, all infected with Influenza A:

• Dec. 31: A 15-year-old male from the northern inland area of San Diego County
• Jan. 5: A 17-year-old female from the northern inland region of San Diego County
• Jan. 22: A 14-year-old female from the southern part of San Diego County

“The recent fatalities among our youth due to the flu are both tragic and alarming as we approach the historical peak of flu season,” commented Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the interim public health officer. “The flu vaccine serves as the most effective means of preventing severe illness and fatalities. This flu season has been unusually long and challenging compared to recent years, and we have yet to see its conclusion.”

According to county data, approximately 80% of children aged 5 to 17 in San Diego County have not received a flu vaccination this season. In contrast, nearly 46% of U.S. children within the same age range have received this year’s flu vaccine.

As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released on Feb. 14, 68 children under 18 years have succumbed to the flu among a total of 16,000 flu-related deaths nationwide.

Dr. Mark Beatty, the county’s assistant medical director for epidemiology and immunization, indicated last week that San Diego County is currently experiencing a late surge in flu cases, a trend not observed since the 2021-22 flu season.

Flu Fatalities in San Diego County

This flu season, which is monitored from July to July, has already seen a higher number of pediatric deaths than the 52 recorded throughout the entire previous season or the average of 30 deaths per season.

The CDC advises that everyone aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccination. It’s important to note that the COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent the flu and vice versa.

In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend practicing frequent handwashing, using tissues or your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes, wearing masks in indoor settings, and staying home when feeling unwell to help curtail the spread of the virus.

Influenza can pose severe risks, particularly for vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Where to Obtain the Flu Vaccine in San Diego County

Experts indicate that there’s still time to get vaccinated against the flu. The U.S. flu season generally lasts into the spring, and the peak may not have arrived yet.

Health officials urge individuals aged six months and older to get vaccinated, even if they have already experienced flu symptoms, as it is possible to contract a different strain of the virus.

Flu vaccines are available at medical offices and pharmacies, typically covered by most insurance plans. Individuals without insurance can receive vaccinations at any of the county’s six public health centers or local community clinics. For additional information, residents can call 211.

Understanding the Flu

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that often leads to a week’s worth of discomfort, characterized by symptoms like fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches. It can easily spread from one person to another.

According to the CDC’s FluView surveillance report for the week ending Feb. 8, flu activity currently stands at its highest level of the season.

CDC

Flu activities in the U.S. generally peak between December and February. However, this year’s flu season experienced a late start, with cases rising significantly after the holidays. Many health experts believe that we may not have yet reached the peak of flu activity, which is expected to persist for weeks.

This season has already witnessed approximately 29 million flu illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths, according to CDC estimates.

What to Do If You Have the Flu

Fortunately, most individuals will recover from the flu on their own within about a week without requiring medical intervention.

Rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications to alleviate fever and body aches can offer relief. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu are particularly beneficial for high-risk individuals, as stated by the CDC.

This article includes contributions from City News Service and TODAY.