11 Delawareans have died of the flu so far this season, all from Influenza A strain

Eleven Delawareans have died of the flu so far this season, more than had died at this time during last year's record-setting year, health officials said Monday.

Three more Kent County residents were added to the total, including an 81-year old man, a 54-year old woman and a 64-year old woman. All three were infected with the Influenza A strain and had underlying health conditions. 

Two of them died in late January, but their deaths were not reported to the Division of Public Health until last week, officials said. Another died in early February.

This time last year, the state had confirmed 10 flu deaths. 

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As of Feb. 2, the state has confirmed a total of 2,037 flu cases, health officials said. There have been 356 hospitalizations. 

State officials believe the number of people who have suffered from the flu is much higher because not all cases are tested by labs. 

With the number of cases rising, some Delaware hospitals have implemented temporary visitation restrictions to ward off the risk of people spreading the virus.

Flu season began earlier than usual in Delaware, with cases being confirmed in September. The previous season was one of the worst in Delaware history with 35 people killed from influenza and more than 9,000 confirmed cases. 

Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Those who have the flu should stay home from work and social gatherings until their fever is gone for at least 24 hours.

Doctors say the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu shot. It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies that protect against the virus to develop in the body, but health officials say it's still not too late to get a shot for this season.

For more information about the flu or where to get a vaccine, go to www.flu.delaware.gov or call 800-282-8672.

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Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.