DHSS Press Release |
Date: January 12, 2005 DHSS-3-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS INCREASES STATEWIDE
Delawareans should continue practicing good hygiene as state reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) increase. Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has received an increasing number of reports of ILI from hospitals. DPH has also received 45 reports of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases since October 2004, 22 of which were reported in January 2005.
DPH's classification of the state's flu status has changed to "widespread," in accordance with the definition established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Delaware, this indicates that there are cases in all three counties. The state's status had remained at "regional"(occurring in two counties) during December and early January. As is typical during this period, influenza reports also continued to increase nationally, mostly in the eastern United States.
Influenza-like illness is defined as symptoms that include a temperature of more than 100§ F and either cough or sore throat in the absence of a known cause other than influenza. DPH tracks ILI because most people are not tested for flu, and ILI provides an additional assessment of flu prevalence. All Delaware hospitals report weekly totals of ILI to DPH.
"Residents who qualify for influenza vaccination and have not received a flu shot are encouraged to get one," said Paul Silverman, DrPH, Associate Deputy for Health Information and Science. "Frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes are effective ways to prevent the spread of influenza and other illnesses among those who have not been vaccinated. People who are sick should stay home from work, daycare or school."
Flu vaccine remains available through community physicians. It is not too late to benefit from a flu shot. Influenza strains identified nationally and by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory since October 2004 are covered by this year's vaccine.
Individuals eligible for flu vaccination include:
- Children age 6-23 months;
- Adults 50 years and older;
- Age 2-49 with chronic medical conditions;
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season;
- Residents of long-term care facilities;
- Children age 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
- Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care; and
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of people in the other high-risk categories.
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.
