Eight more San Diego residents died from influenza last week, bringing the number of deaths up to 14, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.
The ages of the victims ranges from 46 to 92, according to a statement from the County Health and Human Services Agency.
All but one of the patients had underlying medical conditions.
How to Avoid the Flu
A total of 14 people have died this flu season in San Diego. The spike of eight additional deaths announced Wednesday was by far the most drastic increase since the flu season began.
The county continues to see a quickly rising number of people affected by the flu. A total of 503 flu cases were reported for the week ending Jan. 19, compared to 311 the previous week. That week, the number more than doubled compared to the week before.
The number of flu cases this season has now passed 1,000. Those cases make up 10 percent of all visits, which is slightly higher than expected.
However, despite the grim numbers, this season isn't the worst San Diego has seen. In the 2003-04 flu season saw 22 flu-related deaths.
The flu vaccine is still available and will be administered these days at the following locations:
Jan. 25
1-4:30 p.m.
Bayside Community Center
2202 Comstock Street, San Diego
Children and Adults
Jan. 24 and 25
8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
North Inland Public Health Center
606 East Valley Parkway, Escondido
Adults both days; children only on Friday
Jan. 26
9 a.m. – 12 Noon
South Region Public Health Center
690 Oxford Street, Chula Vista
Children and Adults
Vaccinations are also available at local pharmacies and doctors’ offices. County public health centers also have flu shots for children and adults with no medical insurance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people 6 months and older receive a vaccination.
Flu Tips for Parents of Young Children
State officials warned earlier this month that flu is on the rise, though California's numbers have been comparatively low so far this season.
Photo Credit: Getty Images