Delaware sees first flu-related death of the season; public urged to get vaccinated

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read
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Two months into this year's influenza season, Delaware has reported its first suspected flu-related death.

The case involves a Kent County resident between the ages of 55 and 64 who, according to the state Division of Public Health's announcement Friday, was reported to not be vaccinated against the flu.

Delaware’s first confirmed flu case was announced about a week after flu season began on Oct. 2. The first case also occurred in Kent County with a 32-year-old woman who was vaccinated and contracted the A strain of influenza.

Everything to know about flu season: Delaware confirms first case of the flu. What to expect this year, how to stay safe

How many people have gotten sick?

According to data collected by DPH, 5,609 flu cases have been reported to date during the current flu season, which has hit as COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to spread and burden the health care system.

During the week of Dec. 4 to Dec. 10, the most recent week for case data, 1,125 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu were reported. There have been 47 flu-related hospitalizations as of Dec. 3.

A flu vaccine is administered to National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) staff members in Bethesda, Md., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020.
A flu vaccine is administered to National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) staff members in Bethesda, Md., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020.

Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is important for all people ages 6 months and older and is a vital part of preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death resulting from the flu virus − all of which can occur in previously healthy individuals, but are more prevalent in those with underlying health conditions, according to DPH.

Nearly 29% of the state's population has been vaccinated against the flu, with 276,911 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct. 2 to Dec. 3, according to state data.

If you still have not gotten your flu shot, visit delaware.gov to find the latest information about flu vaccinations near you.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware has first flu-related death this season; flu shots encouraged