Three more flu deaths in Delaware

Three more people have died from flu, bringing Delaware’s total number of deaths to eight this season. 

Delaware’s Division of Public Health said all three victims suffered from underlying health conditions in addition to being infected with the flu. The victims included two New Castle County men, ages 55 and 64, who both died last month. The most recent victim was a 65-year-old Kent County man who passed away earlier this month. All died at local hospitals, DPH reported. 

The recent deaths push this flu season’s fatalities ahead of last year’s when there were six flu-related deaths among Delawareans during the entire 2015-2016 season.

DPH reported influenza cases statewide have risen to 2,712, compared to 415 at this time last year, with the majority of the infections occurring in New Castle County.

“We have said it before, but it is truly important for Delawareans to realize the flu can be unpredictable and deadly,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We urge all Delawareans to stay home from work, school, or other engagements if they feel sick with flu-like illnesses, to wash their hands regularly, to use hand sanitizer, to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, to take anti-virals as prescribed by their doctor, and to get vaccinated for the flu if they have not already done so.”

Flu-like illnesses can come on suddenly and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. While more common in children, some people might also experience vomiting or diarrhea.