Hundreds Sickened In CT As Flu Cases Skyrocket

CONNECTICUT — The numbers are not good concerning the flu and Connecticut. The number of deaths this season spiked to four this week, the number of flu-related hospitalizations increased by 49 this week to 203 for the season and the number of flu-related illnesses was 3.44 percent higher than the 2.69 percent observed last week.

The percentage of emergency department visits for flu-related illnesses statewide was 8.29 percent, higher than the previous week, but similar to the level at this time in the previous year, state health officials said.

Of 682 positive influenza tests reported to the state health department this season, 36 (5 %) were Influenza A 2009 (H1N1), 12 (2 %) Influenza A (H3N2), 263 (39 %) Influenza B, and 371 (54 %) Influenza A (type unspecified).

No influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week. 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.

This year’s flu season data collection begins with Week 35; August 25, 2019. All four of the flu-related deaths occurred in persons over the age of 65.

State health officials said residents need to get vaccinated.

"I advise all Connecticut residents to take the proactive step to protect their health during flu season by getting a flu shot," health commissioner Renee D. Coleman-Mitchell said. "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."
All people can be at risk of developing serious flu complications and exposing others. Flu vaccination can help reduce those risks.

• 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.
• Getting vaccinated yourself 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.

DPH strongly encourages all Connecticut residents over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot. Several flu vaccination clinics are scheduled all across CT. Click here to view them all.

If the local health department in your area does not have flu vaccine, check with your health care provider or pharmacy to see if the flu vaccine is available. To find a pharmacy near you, visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder at https://vaccinefinder.org/