Second Del. flu-related death prompts prevention tips from health officials

On Thursday, health officials encourage prevention methods after they say a Delaware senior's death is the second flu-related death in the state.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) says the death of a 83-year-old New Castle woman was the most recent flu-related death, after she died last week in a local hospital. 

On Thursday, DHSS officials encourage the public to get flu vaccinations and to call their primary care provider if their believe they already have the virus or are at high risk for complications. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), influenza activity has increased significantly in the last few weeks. 

Officials report that as of December 22, Delaware has recorded 129 laboratory-confirmed flu cases this season, with 49 of those cases requiring hospitalization. This is up for 91 laboratory-confirmed cases with 26 hospitalizations and one death at the same time last year. 

"While flu shots remain the first line of protection, it is very important this season that anyone with flu-like symptoms needs to call or go to their doctor as the doctor may put them on antivirals. This is particularly important for pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions," says DPH Medical Director Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh.

In addition to getting vaccinated and taking antivirals as prescribed by your doctor, health officials recommend the following:

-Keeping your distance from others if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
-Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
-Covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue, and disposing of tissues immediately; if no tissue is available sneezing or coughing into your inner elbow.
-Staying home if you are sick until you are free of fever for 24 hours — with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.