DOVER, DELAWARE (1/23/2015) Three new flu deaths in Delaware this week have brought the state’s toll this season to 19, health officials reported today. The number of deaths is more than triple the entire number for last flu season.
“This remains a particularly hard flu year on the elderly and people with underlying conditions,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Division Director. “DPH and its medical and community partners are working hard to spread the word about prevention being the best protection. The combination of a particularly tough strain of flu, which has also seen an unexpected mutation from the formula in the vaccine, means that taking all precautions against the flu is vital.”
While one of those who died this season was 53 years old, all of the others were over age 65. And all of them had underlying medical conditions contributing to their deaths.
There are now 1826 lab-confirmed flu cases in Delaware this season, which almost equals last year’s total for the whole season.
The Division of Public Health is urging seniors and their caretakers to be particularly cautious, including asking a medical provider about anti-viral medication if they become ill.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Fourteen of this season’s deaths were in New Castle County, two in Kent and three in Sussex.
Previous flu deaths for the season:
• 2009-10: 7
• 2010-11: 5
• 2011-12: 0
• 2012-13: 4
• 2013-14: 6