County urges vaccinations as flu, COVID, RSV cases jump
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
As the region moves deeper into the colder months, holiday get-togethers are in full swing — and so are contagious viruses.
But six years after the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, San Diego County officials are reminding residents to be cautious, as the virus is still spreading — and still potentially debilitating or deadly.
“We are already seeing impacts on the most vulnerable in our community and cases are only going to rise,” said Dr. Sayane Thihalolipavan, a San Diego County public health officer.
According to county data, only around 7% of residents have received COVID-19 boosters this season.
The numbers are better for flu vaccinations, but not by much. Just 22% of San Diegans have received flu vaccines this season.
Flu cases have also spiked in recent weeks.
Although the flu is a common illness that typically comes and goes with the season, it can still be fatal. Last year in San Diego County reported 220 flu-related deaths, including seven children.
“Just because you were sick with the flu or COVID-19 in the last year doesn’t mean you still can’t get infected,” Thihalolipavan said.
Respiratory syncytial virus is also on the rise in the county, an illness that young children and older adults may be the most susceptible to. In the week ending on Nov. 8, there were four RSV hospitalizations, and 37 tests that came back positive.
Each of these respiratory illnesses presents with similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, and sore throat, but county officials said there is one way to steer clear of them, or at least minimize their worst effects: vaccines.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone six months or older should receive a flu vaccine, which most insurances cover.
Residents who don’t have insurance can get a free flu shot by visiting any of the county flu vaccine locations, myturn.ca.gov, or by calling 2-1-1 San Diego.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe this holiday season,” Thihalolipavan said.
