Vaccinations urged as state reports flu cases in all 3 counties

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Flu vaccinations
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The Delaware  Division of Public Health (DPH) announced flu cases were officially confirmed in all three counties with new lab-confirmed cases in New Castle and Sussex counties. 

The division is asking the public and employers to spread the word on the need for vaccinations.

The first New Castle County cases include a 77-year-old woman who was discharged following a hospital stay, and a 64-year-old male. No deaths have been reported.

The first Sussex case was an infant who is recovering at home.  None of the new cases had  flu vaccine this season, based on records.These cases join two other lab-confirmed cases in Kent County, 27-year-old and 39-year-old men.  Neither were hospitalized. 

These cases join two other lab-confirmed cases in Kent County, 27-year-old and 39-year-old men.  Neither were hospitalized. 

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“Now is the time to get vaccinated.  We understand none of the Delaware cases were immunized, which is not uncommon this early in the season,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “But vaccination is our most effective weapon against preventing the flu and its severity.  Public Health recommends getting a flu vaccine every year.”

Finding a nearby flu clinic or vaccination site is easier than ever before. Google “CDC flu finder,” enter your ZIP code, and find nearby sites offering vaccinations.

Added DPH Medical Director Dr. Awe Maduka-Ezeh, an infectious disease specialist, “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies protect you from the flu so now is the time to get vaccinated before the busy holiday season begins. The flu vaccine is readily available through medical providers, pharmacies, and some grocery stores.”

Flu symptoms come  suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Providers can prescribe antiviral medicines to make the illness milder, hasten recovery, and prevent serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death. DPH monitors the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses in hospitals, selected long-term care facilities, and medical clinics to track flu trends in the state.

In addition to vaccination, Delawareans can prevent the spread  of the diease  and other respiratory illness with good hygiene:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Use hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or aiming for your inside elbow.
  • Stay six feet away from others who are coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Persons should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until free of fever – 100 F (37.8 C), without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. 

DPH is hosting public flu clinics, including some with evening hours, at various locations. For more information on flu clinics, influenza prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, call DPH at 800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov.

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