Public Safety · San Diego County
San Diego County Reports Early Flu Surge With Two Pediatric Deaths
San Diego County health officials are warning residents of an unusually sharp early-season influenza spike, reporting 11 flu-related deaths this season including two children who died in October. The county recorded 516 hospitalizations compared to just 86 at the same point last year, with the highest spread among school-aged children aged 5 to 17. County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan urged residents six months and older to get annual flu shots as soon as possible, noting the vaccine takes roughly two weeks to provide full protection. Vaccines are available at retail pharmacies, urgent care clinics, doctor offices, and county public health clinics, with uninsured residents able to schedule through California's My Turn system.