Delaware records 3rd flu death, more than 900 confirmed ill

The mid-January state statistics showed 44 outbreaks and hospitalizations for flu above expected levels in all 58 California counties.

The Galveston County Health Department is still giving out free influenza vaccinations to try to get a handle on the spread of the virus.

“We swabbed (the patient) for the flu and she came up flu A and B positive”, said Dr. Nadine Halliburton-Foster. On Thursday, state health officials reported the total number of flu-related deaths in North Carolina this season was 67.

Galveston County Health District announced that a 61 year old woman with pre-existing conditions died this month after contracting the flu. This is the first time all states in the entire continental USA have reported widespread flu activity during the same week. The County informs the public about all flu deaths. It’s not helping that reports are swirling that this year’s flu shot is only 10 percent effective.

The first and most important step to protection against flu viruses is being vaccinated.

Atlantic County’s Division of Public Health is offering residents yet another place and opportunity to get vaccinated.

The number of flu cases continues to spike, suggesting the peak of the season could still be a few weeks away.

Even though this year’s vaccine is not a complete match to the circulating virus, health experts say it’s still worth getting the vaccine. Currently, most of the flu cases are of the influenza A (H3N2) type. Those at high risk, such as children, people over 65 years old, those with health complications and who work or live in nursing homes have a higher need to get the vaccine. “Every year the United States has several epidemics of flu”.

“Yes, unfortunately there are folks who will get the shot who will still get the flu”, he said.

“With the flu, you’ll also have significant body aches, and you’ll have a very high fever, and the cough will usually be much more severe than what you usually get when you get a cold”, he said. To help avoid illness, people should wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, avoid others who are sick and coughing and use disinfectant wipes.