Delaware’s Division of Public Health is reporting the first flu-related deaths of the 2018-2019 flu season.
State health officials say three people in Sussex County have died after contracting Influenza A. All three had underlying health conditions.
The season’s first victim was a 65-year-old man who died last week.
A 73-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman died in the past 7 days.
It’s already been a busy flu season in the First State.
The most recent numbers available from last month (as of Dec. 22, 2018) show there have been 461 laboratory-confirmed flu cases since flu season started in Delaware, and 80 people have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.
At the same time a year ago, there had only been 225 laboratory-confirmed cases and 63 hospitalizations.
DPH says it also saw the number of flu cases reported each week rise in December.
State health officials continue to urge those who have not had a flu shot to get one and remind people there will be a free flu shot clinic at Legislative Hall in Dover on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 10 am to 3 pm
If you get the flu, state health officials recommend staying home from work, school, and other gatherings until you are free of fever for at 24 hours.
