Two children in San Diego County have died of flu-related causes in October, county public health officials said.
The deaths involved a previously healthy 11-year-old and a 6-month-old with complex medical conditions, according to CBS8, which first reported the news. The two pediatric deaths are among 11 flu-related deaths and 516 hospitalizations reported in the county this season. At the same point last year, the county had recorded two deaths and 86 hospitalizations.
The county's weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report found a sharp increase in positive influenza tests, particularly among children ages 5 to 17, CBS8 reported.
County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan called the two deaths "especially difficult" and stressed the importance of prevention, according to a county statement reported by CBS8. He said flu vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect against serious illness.
Dr. Pia Pannaraj, an infectious disease specialist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, said according to CBS8: "Keeping your child vaccinated is the single best step you can take to shield them from life-threatening illness."
What Encinitas families should know
Local and national health officials recommend flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older, CBS8 reported. It takes about two weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination, so health experts encourage people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially those with underlying health conditions.
Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, urgent care centers, hospitals and health clinics. County public health clinics also offer vaccinations for people without insurance.
The nearest county facility is the North Coastal Public Health Center at 1701 Mission Ave., Suite 210, in Oceanside. The center is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 760-967-4401.
According to the county's vaccine page, anyone 6 months and older can get a flu vaccine at a county public health center regardless of health coverage. The county also partners with TrueCare to bring vaccines into North Coastal communities.
People who are sick should stay home until symptoms improve and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, according to guidance from Scripps Health reported by CBS8. When returning to normal activities, people should take extra precautions for five days around those at higher risk.
Scripps Health recommended seeking urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent chest or abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, severe weakness or dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then return or worsen.
Residents can schedule flu vaccine appointments through the state's My Turn vaccine scheduling site or call 2-1-1 for the county's homebound vaccine program.
