Delaware flu deaths rise to 15; more than 3,200 flu cases confirmed, state says

A 68-year-old Sussex County woman and an 85-year-old New Castle County man died of the flu last week, increasing the total number of influenza deaths to 15 people this season, health officials said.

Like the other Delawareans who died, these residents had underlying health conditions and were infected with the influenza A strain, health officials said.

As of Feb. 16, state health officials have confirmed a total of 3,264 flu cases and 537 hospitalizations. This time last year, there were 5,758 confirmed cases, 813 hospitalizations and 19 flu-related deaths. 

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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. 

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 events until their fever is gone for at least 24 hours.

The flu vaccine is expected to be more effective than last year's shot, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this month. It's estimated to be 47 percent effective. Flu vaccine effectiveness usually varies from 40 to 60 percent, officials said. 

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

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