First case of Influenza in Delaware

The Delaware Division of Public Health has confirmed its first case of the influenza A strain in the first state. A 26-year-old New Castle County man was diagnosed and did make a trip to the emergency room, but he was not hospitalized. He is said to be recovering at home.

There are two types of the flu virus, A and B, and it is easy to transmit from person to person. The DPH urges all Delawareans 6 months of age and older who have not yet been vaccinated against the flu, to get a vaccination as soon as possible.

Even though the flu is contagious, you can prevent infection by taking simple everyday measures such as washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home when you’re feeling sick. Flu symptoms can come on suddenly, and symptoms include cough, fatigue, sore throat, fever, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches.

If you are interested in getting the shot you may do so at your medical provider, or by visiting some pharmacies as well as some grocery stores. During the 2014-2015 flu season, there were 28 flu-related deaths in Delaware and 2,390 confirmed cases.