DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 10, 2004 DHSS-123-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH CONFIRMS FIVE FLU CASES
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed five cases of influenza ("the flu") during the 2004-2005 season so far.
The influenza cases occurred in each of Delaware's three counties among people aged 3 months to 33 years. Four people had Influenza type A. One person had both Influenza types A and B. Two people were hospitalized overnight. Information was collected by DPH's Bureau of Epidemiology, which collects reports from hospitals, physicians, long-term care facilities and other sources. DPH continues to conduct daily influenza surveillance.
Delaware's flu season typically begins in late October, peaks in January and ends in March. An influenza patient may experience fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and a sore throat, cough and nasal congestion. Occasionally, intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are present. Complications of influenza include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections and aggravated asthma.
Delawareans can help prevent the spread of influenza by washing hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoiding sick people if possible. Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing. If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medicines to reduce the severity of flu if he or she knows within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.
Delawareans who seek flu vaccination should take the following steps:
- Do not call or go to a hospital for flu vaccination. Hospitals are using their vaccine for their sickest patients and to assure that they have a healthy staff to provide care.
- Call your private physician to find out if and when he or she is likely to receive vaccine.
- Delawareans eligible for flu vaccination through DPH's Nov. 19 clinic must call DPH to register (1-800-282-8672) during designated times. Kent and Sussex residents should call Monday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and New Castle County residents should call Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis. Callers must live or go to school in Delaware and meet one of these criteria:
- Age 65 years and older;
- Age 9 - 64 years with underlying chronic health conditions;
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season, which is October 2004 - February 2005; or
- Age 9-18 years who are on chronic aspirin therapy.
- Veterans must be enrolled with the Veterans Administration to receive the vaccine through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Elsmere. For more information, call 302-633-5209.
- Ask your doctor about vaccination against pneumonia, one of flu's most severe potential complications.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
