FIRST 2010 - 2011 DELAWARE FLU DEATH

Today the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports the first flu death of the 2010-2011 flu season, a 78 year-old male from New Castle County. The individual had underlying health conditions and had been hospitalized.

"We are so sorry to hear this sad news," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "We have to forge ahead and continue reminding people how serious the flu can be and to please get vaccinated."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from October 3, 2010 - February 5, 2011, there have been 5,777 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated hospitalizations and 86 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated deaths reported in the U.S. thus far in the season.

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 flu, including people with chronic underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and who are immunosuppressed.

Precautions to help stop the spread of flu include:

• Get vaccinated against both H1N1 and seasonal flu.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into your inner elbow and not into your hands.
• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away. This means no fever for at least 24 hours after you have stopped taking any fever-reducing medication. Employers are encouraged to be flexible with their employees on the issue of staying home when ill.

Stay informed about the latest developments on the H1N1 flu, by visiting www.flu.delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.