First flu cases of 2021-22 season confirmed in Del.

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health says it has confirmed the state’s first two cases of influenza for the 2021-22 flu season, including the first pediatric case of the season.

We’re told the cases involve a Kent County child under the age of 5, infected with influenza strain B, who was hospitalized. The second case is a 26-year-old Sussex County woman infected with influenza strain A, who was not hospitalized. Neither individual had received the flu vaccine, according to health officials.

“This first case of the flu is an excellent reminder for us to get our flu vaccine as soon as possible,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We must not get lulled into a false sense of security with last year’s unusually low case numbers. With Delawareans resuming pre-pandemic activities, the flu is a definite threat to our health. Because hospitals and physicians’ offices are already taxed with COVID-19 cases, we must do everything we can to prevent adding more to their burden and the flu vaccine is a very good start.”

Officials say during the pre-pandemic 2019-20 flu season, Delaware recorded over 7,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu, with nearly 400 Delawareans hospitalized due to the flu, and 11 deaths. During the 2021-21 flu season, there were a total of 26 confirmed flu cases, with one hospitalization, and one death.

For information on where to find a flu shot in Delaware, click here.