State: 24 Delawareans have died of the flu so far this season; 3rd deadliest season ever

Four more Delawareans have died of the flu, bringing this year's death toll to 24 people, state health officials said Monday. 

The deaths included a 70-year-old Kent County woman, 82-year-old Kent County woman, 56-year-old New Castle County man and a 52-year-old New Castle County woman. 

The Kent County women and New Castle County man died in late March, while the New Castle County woman died last week. All of the Delawareans were infected with Influenza A and had underlying health conditions, health officials said. 

Health officials said they are seeing a "steady decline" in weekly totals of confirmed cases, but expect the flu to continue to circulate in Delaware for the coming weeks.       

So far, the 2018-2019 flu season has tallied the second-highest number of influenza cases in state-recorded history. As of March 23, the state has confirmed 5,854 confirmed cases of influenza and 943 hospitalizations. Many more people have had the flu, because only a fraction of the cases are tested in labs.

FLU BACKGROUND

State: Influenza A still raging; 2018-2019 flu season now has 2nd highest number of cases

State: 2018-2019 flu season reaches third highest number of flu deaths in past decade

Delaware hospitals say state has not yet hit seasonal peak of flu cases

This season has become Delaware's third deadliest out of those on record, behind last year's and the 2014-15 season when 28 people died from the flu.

Delaware officials said last week that they have seen an increase in cases involving H3N2, a particularly virulent strain of Influenza A, in the past month. It can often cause a more severe illness in older adults. 

Health officials urge anyone 65 and older who might be experiencing flu symptoms to contact their doctor immediately. 

This flu season began earlier than usual in Delaware, with cases being confirmed in September.

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

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

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

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