Big Spike In Flu-Related Deaths In Connecticut This Week

CONNECTICUT — The number of flu-related deaths in Connecticut increased by six this past week alone and another 171 people were hospitalized, according to the state Department of Public Health.

So far there have been 643 flu-associated hospitalizations thus far this season. Also 13 people have now died as a result of the flu this season, which began in late August.

The percentage of emergency department visits for the flu statewide was 10.88 percent, similar to the previous week but higher than the level reported at this time in the previous year.

Of 3,281 positive influenza tests reported to the Department of Public Health this season, 128 (4 %) were Influenza A 2009 (H1N1), 27 (<1 %) Influenza A (H3N2), 1,657 (51 %) Influenza B, and 1,469 (45 %) Influenza A (type unspecified).

No influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported since the beginning of the 2019-20 season. Annual vaccination is the best way to protect children from influenza, state health officials said.

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“I advise all Connecticut residents to take the proactive step to protect their health during flu season by getting a flu shot,” said DPH Commissioner Renee D. Coleman-Mitchell. “Flu vaccines are safe and effective, and can either help prevent you from becoming infected by this serious virus, or help lessen your symptoms if you do get sick. Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or local health department about the easiest way to get a flu shot.”

The flu can cause serious health problems, especially for those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, the elderly, and infants who are too young to be immunized. In the 2018-2019 flu season DPH reported 3,506 persons hospitalized with influenza-associated illness in Connecticut, and a total of 88 influenza-associated deaths. Now is the time to get vaccinated before exposure as even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages all people over the age of six months old to be vaccinated. Vaccines are encouraged for high-risk groups, including children from 6 months to 18 years of age, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, people at least 50 years old, anyone with certain chronic medical conditions and people who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

It is recommended the people 65 years and older get a flu shot instead of a nasal spray vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is only approved for use in non-pregnant individuals between the ages of 2-49 and is not effective for anyone over the age of 50.

They can get any flu vaccine approved for use in that age group with no preference for any one vaccine over another. There are regular flu shots that are approved for use in people 65 years and older and there also are two vaccines designed specifically for people 65 years and older: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm

To get vaccinated for the flu check with your regular heath care provider or pharmacy to see if they have the flu vaccine available. To find a flu clinic near you, visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder at https://vaccinefinder.org/

For more information on influenza and vaccination, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/