14 flu-related deaths in San Diego County match last season's total

San Diego County has had 14 influenza-related deaths so far this flu season, with two to three months yet remaining, county health officials said Wednesday.

That number matches the total for last year's flu season. 

The 14 who have died ranged in age from 46 to 92.

To date the county has had 1,179 flu cases reported this season, with 503 last week alone. Ten percent of emergency department visits were flu-related, compared with 6% the prior week.

County health officials are advising the public to get flu shots. For those who cannot afford it, the county will provide the shots.

"Flu can be a serious and deadly disease, especially for the elderly and young infants," warned Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.

The flu season is generally considered to run from October to March or April.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: A woman receives a flu shot at a Los Angeles County clinic. Credit: Los Angeles Times