3 Flu-Related Deaths Already This Season In CT, 144 Hospitalized

HARTFORD, CT — The State Department of Public Health reported Friday that at least three flu-related deaths have occurred this season. DPH officials also strongly urged those in Connecticut who have not yet had a flu shot to get one.

According to DPH officials, all three individuals who suffered flu-related deaths were over the age of 65. No further details were revealed about these three cases, however officials said the increase in flu activity and deaths is not unusual for this time of year.

DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino also strongly urged people to get a flu shot if they have not already done so.

“With the winter months and holidays bringing people together, typically indoors, people need to protect themselves from bringing home a present that no one wants: the flu," Pino said in a release. "It is not too late to get the flu vaccination, and people should not be deterred from getting the shot because of recent reports that the vaccine hasn’t been as effective in other parts of the world. While we don’t yet know how effective this year’s vaccine will be, we do know that the flu shot will give people more protection against the flu, and at the very least will lessen the symptoms if flu is contracted, than not having the shot at all.”

Officials said the flu is spread through the air and by direct contact with respiratory droplets.

Here are some typical symptoms of the flu:

• sudden fever
• aching muscles
• sore throat
• coughing
• runny nose
• headache
• eye pain

While anyone can contract the flu, the illness is especially dangerous for people aged 65 and older, children younger than 2-years-old and pregnant women. It is also dangerous for people of any age with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure or lung disease.

Officials said 355 laboratory confirmed cases of the flu have been reported in Connecticut as of Dec. 16, an increase of 100 cases over the previous week, and 144 Connecticut patients have been hospitalized with confirmed cases, including 46 new hospitalizations between Dec. 9 and Dec. 16.

“Give you and your family the gift of health this season by getting the flu shot and taking other steps to
protect against illness: stay home if you are sick," Pino said. "Wash your hands thoroughly and often especially when preparing and handling food, cover your coughs and sneezes and let someone else do the cooking if you are not feeling well."

Image via Shutterstock