SF Reports Total of 3 Flu-Related Deaths

San Francisco on Wednesday reported another flu-related death, bringing the death toll to three in the city this winter season and the Bay Area total to 32.

Health officials did not release much more information about the person other than the person was not elderly but did have underlying medical conditions.

Last week, officials said that 20 percent of the people who have died from the flu in California this season did receive a flu shot. Statewide, there are now about 100 confirmed flu-related deaths.
 

 MORE: Flu Prevention Tips

Here is the breakdown by county:

  • Santa Clara County - 8 deaths
  • Alameda County - 4 deaths
  • Marin County - 2 deaths
  • San Mateo County - 4 deaths
  • San Francisco - 3 death
  • Contra Costa County - 5 deaths
  • Solano County - 1 death
  • Sonoma County - 4 deaths
  • Napa County - 1 death

Dr. Dianne Martin in Fremont said the flu shot is still your best defense, but adds, you can gain added protection by taking other steps to boost your immune system.

“Stress makes anything worse,” Martin said, “whether it’s your blood pressure or diabetes, and it ramps up your adrenalin, which is bad for the immune system.”

Martin said exercise can stimulate endorphins and special proteins in your body that can boost your immune system. She also recommends drinking plenty of fluids.

The majority of this season's deaths have been linked to swine flu, which first emerged in 2009. The H1N1 strain is known to be more dangerous to young and middle-age adults than other strains of the flu.

MORE: Flu Kills Otherwise Healthy 23-Year-Old

Health officials are urging everyone ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Those considered at highest risk are those 65 and older, children less than two years old, pregnant women and those with medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and weakened immune systems.

The peak of flu season is between January and March, and the vaccine takes about two weeks after inoculation to be fully effective, according to health officials.

For more information on flu prevention, click here.

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