As Attention Shifts To Coronavirus, Flu Deaths Soar In CT

CONNECTICUT — The world's focus is on the coronavirus but new data released by the Connecticut Department of Public Health shows that the flu continues to be a major problem, too.

This week, nine Connecticut residents were killed due to the flu, which brings the state flu death toll to 58 this season. Another 321 residents were hospitalized this week for flu-related symptoms and that number has swelled to 2,230 this season.

There has been one reported child death from the flu this year. As of Feb. 22, 10,286 positive influenza tests have been reported. Increased numbers of circulating influenza B viruses have been observed in recent weeks in the state.

Hartford County has the highest number of flu-related cases, followed by New Haven and Fairfield county.

As flu deaths continue to rise here and elsewhere, everyone's focus has turned to the coronavirus and whether we're prepared. Gov. Ned Lamont said that "Connecticut is ready." The director of the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease that the spread of coronavirus across the U.S. is inevitable.

Lamont said state officials have "hourly communication" with the CDC.

"I feel like Connecticut is a little ahead of the game," Lamont said. "We're moving into the unknown. This thing is moving really, really fast but we want you to feel confident."

At least 80,000 people have been infected and 2,700 people have died from the coronavirus, creating a global pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. It is spreading so quickly overseas that infectious disease experts and scientists warn there may be no way to contain it. Connecticut has had coronavirus scares but no one has tested positive for it.

See related: Official Warns CT Not Ready For Coronavirus, Gov. Lamont Disputes That

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Back to dealing with the flu

Connecticut DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell said earlier this month that the "we are at the height of the flu season. We estimate that 10-15% of Connecticut residents will come down with the flu before the season is over. Please, it is not too late to get a flu shot, and there are measures we can all take that can help keep us healthy this season. I encourage anyone who has questions to contact your primary care provider."

All people can be at risk of developing serious flu complications and exposing others. It is not too late to get a flu shot to protect your health and your loved ones. Flu season generally runs into late March. Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Anyone who gets the flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.

People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

There are other personal precautions that the general public can do to prevent the spread of flu in additional to getting a flu shot. These simple daily efforts can help prevent the spread of flu but other illnesses such as the common cold and other viruses. Cover your cough and wash your hands afterwards.

Wash hands frequently during the day with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. Stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting others. Disinfects frequently touches surfaces in your home: counter tops, doorknobs, faucets.

With reporting by Ellyn Santiago, Patch staff