1,000 Students Absent At One School As Flu Spreads Across SoCal

LOS ANGELES, CA — Influenza season has started early in Southern California where a single outbreak kept more than 1,000 students at a San Diego high school home and caused flu deaths early in the season compared to previous years, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Though uncommon, CDPH officials said it is not unprecedented to see deaths occur during the fall. However, flu hospitalizations and deaths typically happen during winter months.

"While it is still too early to know exactly what this year’s flu season will look like in California, there are indications that flu activity might start earlier than usual this year," CDPH said. "It is likely that seasonal influenza (flu) viruses, COVID-19 virus and other viruses that cause respiratory infections will circulate this fall and winter."

The 2022-2023 flu season coincides with spikes in respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, and COVID-19 cases, which has health officials across the country warning of a possible "tripledemic." Local hospitals are experiencing an uncharacteristically high rate of hospitalizations this season, straining capacity as more patients wait for beds.

Public Health officials in San Diego County raised alarm about the spike of flu virus cases, worrying that all three of the viruses could further tax the region's hospitals.

"As we see a sharp increase of flu and RSV cases, I am urging San Diegans to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses," said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer.

The good news is the strains in this year's flu vaccine closely match the strains that seem to be active and were detected in the country this fall, according to the CDPH. With cases of flu trending up in the state, health officials stressed the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.

So far, Influenza A (H3N2) is the predominant virus circulating this season the CDPH said. This strain can cause serious illness in people of any age but is especially likely to affect older adults according to early data collected by the CDPH.

"Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to prevent serious illness and reduce the spread to others," CDPH said. "Persons who are at high risk for severe influenza and COVID-19 should consult their health care providers regarding information on testing and potential treatments."

Nationally, federal health officials reported this season's flu cases are higher in the U.S. than they've been at this time of year in more than a decade. Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 tend to peak seasonally, and The three illnesses have similar symptoms.

According to the CDC, flu symptoms include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

There are no inoculations against RSV as there are for both the flu and COVID-19, but a couple of pharmaceutical companies are working to develop vaccines.

The CDPH said if someone is unsure whether they have the flu, RSV or COVID-19 they should:

• Get rest and stay hydrated as well as take over-the-counter medicines to help feel better.
• Stay in touch with a doctor and call before getting medical care. People should get care if they are having trouble breathing, have emergency warning signs or believe it is an emergency.
• Reduce the spread of disease by staying home if possible, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and taking other steps to prevent spreading the disease to others.

More information about this year's flu can be found on the CDPH webpage.