36-Year-Old San Diego Man Dies of Flu

San Diego, CA — A 36-year-old San Diego man has died from the flu, the County Health and Human Services Agency reported Tuesday.

"The late-season death is a tragic reminder to county residents that the flu can strike at any time of the year," said Tom Christensen, a spokesman for the County of San Diego.

The previously healthy man died Thursday from complications of influenza B. Health officials say he had not traveled out of the San Diego area. They could not say for certain whether he received a flu shot this season.

“Most flu cases in San Diego are in the winter and early spring, but many people are unaware that influenza can cause illness at any time of the year,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. “It’s never too late to get a flu shot.”

The death brings the county's number of flu-related deaths in the 2015-2016 reporting period to 67, with victims ranging in age from 9 years old to 98 — eight of whom had no known underlying medical conditions, officials said.

The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. Those who do not have medical insurance can go to a community health center or county public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit Sdiz.org or call 211.

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