Three teens have died of the flu this season, and none were vaccinated, the county’s public health department announced Thursday, urging families to consider getting the influenza vaccine as the virus continues to spread.
A list of all flu-related deaths maintained by the county health department shows that a 14-year-old girl from southern San Diego County died on Jan. 22 after becoming infected with B-type influenza. A 17-year-old girl died on Jan. 5 and a 15-year-old died Dec. 31, 2024; both were from inland North County and had A-type flu infections. Of the three, county records indicate that only one, the 15-year-old, had other underlying medical conditions present at the time of death.
While these three deaths represent only about 4 percent of the 73 San Diego County residents who died after picking up the flu this season, Dr. Seema Shah, the county’s interim deputy public health officer, said that so many in such a short period of time is unusual.
“We have not reported three deaths under 18 since 2018 or 2019,” Shah said. “Typically, we have one to two deaths per year related to the flu in that age group.”
What appeared to be a possible peak in local flu activity last month has turned out to be a false signal. The county’s latest respiratory virus surveillance report lists 4,142 new cases last week, nearly six times the 736 reported during the same week last season. A concerning 13 percent of emergency department visits showed flu-like symptoms last week compared to 12 percent two weeks ago and 3 percent during the same week last season.
While getting vaccinated will not necessarily prevent a person from becoming infected, Shah noted that research shows that receiving a dose will take the edge off, allowing the body to eliminate the virus more quickly and thus preventing severe inflammation and bacterial lung infections that most often cause death.
“This is absolutely devastating, and we want to do everything we can especially to help teenagers and kids,” Shah said. “I know it’s already February, but we’re seeing so much flu out there still that I think that there is still time to go out and get vaccinated.”
Many, though, will feel protected having already suffered through a bout with influenza this winter. But, as the three teenage deaths illustrate, this threat does not come in just one configuration.
“There are different strains that are circulating, so, even if you had the flu earlier in the season, I would encourage anyone to go out and get the vaccine if they haven’t gotten it yet,” Shah said.
Flu vaccines are carried by retail pharmacies and are widely available at doctor’s offices. Generally, doses are covered at no additional cost by health insurance, though coverage may require visiting a specific vaccination location. For those without health insurance, the county’s six public health centers offer vaccination. Visit myturn.ca.gov or dial 211 for more information.
