274 hospitalizations due to swine flu reported

The number of people hospitalized in San Diego County with swine flu since the H1N1 influenza pandemic began earlier this year stood at 274 this morning, health officials said.

Since June, 22 San Diego County residents have died from swine flu, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. The latest death was reported Wednesday and involved a 64-year-old man with underlying medical conditions, the agency reported.

In addition to the 22 residents, three people have died from swine flu while visiting San Diego this year. They are not included in local statistics but are counted in their hometowns, according to the HHSA.

More than 1,100 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in the county this year, but most cases have not led to hospitalization, the agency reported.

County health officials have urged members of the public to stay home from work or school if they have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Those with underlying medical conditions who experience influenza-like symptoms are urged to contact their doctors.