11 flu related deaths confirmed in Delaware

The number of flu related deaths in Delaware continues to climb.

According to the Department of Health and Social Services, 10 people over the age of 70, and one person in their 50s, have died from the flu, bringing the total to 11 this season.

The state has been dealing with an early outbreak of the flu, which has more than 1,300 lab-confirmed cases.

Dr. Karyl Rattay said they expect to continue to see a high number of cases over the next few weeks.

“We are seeing an early flu season this year, hopefully it’s not going to be a prolonged flu season,” she said. “Typically, influenza activity for around eight to 10 weeks. We are hopeful that we are at our peak or coming down from our peak.”

The majority of cases have been in young people, including infants, and those up to age 24.

Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The influenza A H3N2, and a mutated version of the virus, are the most common strains causing illness this season.

DHSS advocates that a flu shot will prevent the flu or lesson the severity of mutated strains.