Three more Delawareans die from the flu, increasing season's total to 8

Three more Delawareans have died from the flu this month, increasing the death toll to eight people this season, health officials said Thursday. 

All eight residents, whose ages range from 41 to 83, were infected with the Influenza A strain and likely had underlying health conditions, state health officials said. The most recent death occurred this week in an 83-year-old man from New Castle County.

Last week, a 41-year-old New Castle County woman and a 74-year-old Sussex County woman died from complications stemming from the flu, officials said. 

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As of Jan. 19, state officials have confirmed 1,286 cases of the flu during the 2018-2019 season, according to the most recent data. This includes 224 hospitalizations, mostly among residents over the age of 65. 

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

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

Flu season began earlier than usual in Delaware, with cases being confirmed in mid-September. Last year's season was one of the worst in state 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.

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