County Judge Urges Flu Safety; Death Toll Rises To 23

DALLAS, TX — Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Monday issued a warning to county residents encouraging flu-prevention measures as flu activity rises across the nation. Since the beginning of flu season in Fall 2017, 23 deaths have been reported.

“As flu season escalates it’s important that all individuals take precautions to prevent and reduce the severity of the flu,” Jenkins said. “Prevention is truly the best medicine and it’s not too late to get your flu shot. If you have flu-like symptoms, please help protect yourself and others by staying home from work or school and calling your doctor as soon as possible to discuss anti-viral medication.”

Christopher Perkins, the medical director for Dallas County Health and Human Services, recommends the elderly and those with weak immune systems get flu shots and take other CDC-recommended precautions.

“Older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and infants are more vulnerable to flu illness," Dr. Perkins said .With influenza activity on the rise, individuals in these groups should take special precaution as we continue throughout the season.”

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following (from Dallas County Health and Human Services):

• Annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated also protects 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.
• All severely ill, and high-risk patients with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes who are suspected or confirmed influenza cases should be treated with antivirals. (High risk includes: children under 5, adults over 65, people with immunosuppression, persons with underlying conditions, women who are pregnant or postpartum, people with extreme obesity, residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities, people younger than 19 who are receiving long term aspirin therapy, American Indians/Alaskan Natives)
• Clinical benefit is greatest when antiviral treatment is administered as early as possible after illness onset.

• If you haven’t done it already, consider protecting yourself with a flu vaccination.
• Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill.
• Stay home if you are sick or keep family members home if they are sick.

Each of the victims who have died from flu complications have also suffered from underlying health conditions. Here's what we know about the 12th through 23rd victims:

Perkins said in a press release that an approximate 1,626 patients have been hospitalized for the flu in Dallas County this season.

The adult vaccine is given in the adult immunization clinic on the first floor at the DCHHS building located at 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy in Dallas. The children’s vaccine is available at all DCHHS immunization clinics.

Clinic hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments aren’t necessary. For more information call 214-819-2162.

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