SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The County of San Diego on Friday released the numbers for cases and deaths from the 2024-25 flu season.
Of nearly 40,000 flu cases, 220 resulted in deaths, with seven of those fatalities being children, according to the report. The number of total deaths is an increase of 157 compared to the previous season.
Child deaths were up two from the previous season, which the county saw 6,127 pediatric flu cases. The 2024-25 flu season has contributed to the highest number of child deaths since 2009/2010 when four were recorded.
Doctors point to low and declining vaccination rates.
“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.”
Seasonal flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Touching your mouth, nose or eyes after contacting contaminated surfaces or objects is also a form of spread.
Flu symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body or muscle aches, headache, feeling very tired and vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children).
Flu vaccinations can be scheduled through a health care provider or local pharmacy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot each year, preferably before the end of October.
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