Flu cases increase in San Diego County compared to this same time last year

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County health officials are tracking more than a 60% increase in flu cases compared to last year.

As of Wednesday, about 1,200 cases have been reported, up from roughly 730 this time last flu season.

"It’s not that many, but usually we shouldn’t see the flu this time of year, very minimal probably," said Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour with Sharp Community Medical Group.

In fact, Dr. Bahmanpour says flu season typically peaks between the end of the year and spring.

Aside from avoiding those who are sick and keeping up with healthy hand washing practices, doctors say the annual flu vaccine is still the best course of action for preventing sickness.

In the process of the county’s reporting, health officials are also making an effort to clear up common myths about flu vaccines.

"We can’t use last year's flu vaccine for this year because it’s completely different. It might be new strains added," said Dr. Bahmanpour.

Last flu season, nearly 20,000 people got the flu throughout the county -- 1,500 were hospitalized, and 60 San Diegans died.

Some believe getting the vaccine will give you the flu or that because they previously got the flu despite a vaccine, it isn’t worth it.

"So, those are dead virus or an active virus. They don’t cause infections because they are dead," explained Dr. Bahmanpour.

He goes on to say if you have a vaccine, it's working and there's a smaller chance of getting a bad case of the flu.

The flu shot typically becomes available late August or early September. Dr. Bahmanpour recommends not waiting much longer than November, so you have the antibodies built up to fight the flu should you get it.