Flu Season Now Underway; Get Vaccinated Today

As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) marks the start of 2023-2024 influenza (flu) season. Infection with flu can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes even death.  As a possible signal of what we might expect, the U.S. often looks at what Australia and New Zealand experienced in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season in our summer.  This year, the countries had a particularly active flu season.  As the spread of RSV and COVID-19 variants continue, and the possibility that an active flu season is ahead, the DPH recommends Delaware residents get their flu vaccines as soon as possible.

Each year, everyone who is 6 months of age or older should receive a flu vaccination. It is strongly recommended that children under the age of five, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with chronic underlying medical conditions get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. Additionally, DPH emphasizes vaccination for those who live or work with infants under six months of age, as well as for those who live or work in congregant settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities.

Updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were recently rolled out in response to the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. DPH wants to let the public know that both the flu and COVID-19 booster shots can be safely administered together. The RSV vaccine is available for people 60 years of age and older, and it can be combined with flu and COVID-19 vaccines. However, the CDC recommends discussing RSV vaccination with your primary care provider to determine if it is appropriate for you and your medical situation. As with COVID-19, DPH will make flu data available on its My Healthy Community data portal on October 10. 

“COVID-19, influenza and RSV are all hitting at the same time this year, making it challenging for everyone,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Robert Rosenbaum. “Don’t wait until you’re infected with one of these diseases; get vaccinated as soon as possible. The flu is contagious and can cause serious illness and even death, but a flu vaccine can reduce your chance of ending up in the hospital. Getting the flu shot every year is the best line of defense to prevent severe illness from the flu.”

As antibodies against influenza virus infection can take up to two weeks to develop in the body after vaccination, it is vital to get vaccinated as soon as possible. People who get the flu vaccine now will also be protected throughout the entire flu season. Find information about the flu and where to get it at flu.delaware.gov.

Pharmacies (including those within grocery stores) as well as participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients) and Division of Public Health clinics are all offering flu vaccines. DPH provides flu vaccines at locations where DPH mobile units also provide health care.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. COVID-19 and the flu share some signs and symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and body aches, chills and fatigue. You can determine which illness you have with the help of testing. Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for children, older adults, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions. When sick with the flu, people should remain at home and not return to work, school, or other gatherings until they are fever-free – without fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours.

In addition, people with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with others in their household and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. While over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to hasten recovery and prevent serious complications if you suspect you have influenza. In cases of acute illness, pregnancy, or chronic medical conditions, it is particularly important to contact your primary care provider.

 Remember the four key ways to keep respiratory illnesses in check this season:

  • Get vaccinated for COVID, flu, and RSV if eligible,
  • Stay home if you’re sick to keep others safe,
  • Seek treatment if you test positive for any of the illnesses, and
  • Consider wearing a mask if you or someone close to you is at higher risk of illness.

DPH will again share flu-related messaging through radio, print and social media messaging and distribute a toolkit to schools, community-based organizations and medical providers to help encourage flu vaccination through their networks.

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672.


A Proactive Approach to a Healthy School Year

This guest column was written by Delaware Secretary of Education Mark A. Holodick and Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Josette D. Manning.

 

As the new school year gets underway, now is the time to remind local communities that continuing to protect ourselves against influenza, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other infectious diseases is a powerful way to also support Delaware students and school staff. The flu, COVID, and RSV are dangerous but preventable respiratory illnesses that can spread quickly, especially in close-knit settings. A single infected person has the potential to set off a chain reaction that can disrupt schools and communities, impacting everyone from students to educators, nutrition staff, school bus drivers, security personnel, their families and more.

Simple, safe, and effective prevention helps keep pathogens out of classrooms. Healthy lifestyle choices boost public immunity. To help reduce school disruptions this year, we encourage everyone to:

  • Get sufficient sleep, eat nutritious meals, practice good oral hygiene, and get enough physical activity to keep our bodies healthy.
  • Stay home when sick and know your school and work return policies.
  • Schedule annual well visit appointments and stay up to date on routine vaccinations, which includes flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, dry hands with a paper towel, and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent arm. Throw the tissue away without touching the bin.
  • Keep hands away from our noses, mouths, and eyes.
  • Routinely clean surfaces.
  • Learn more about viral signs and symptoms.
  • Have a plan in place for if you are exposed or become ill.

For flu: Experts predict this year’s flu season will start as early as September or October. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine provided “substantial” protection for all age groups last year. School-age children are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, so consider vaccines early in the fall. Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible for vaccines, unless they have a specific contraindication.

For COVID-19: The public health emergency due to COVID-19 has ended, but the virus still requires attention. Cases may increase among different locations and populations at various times. As needed, consider wearing masks in crowded places, if cases rise, or if you are at higher risk for illness.  Take a COVID-19 test immediately if you have symptoms or test five days after exposure to someone with COVID-19. Those who test positive for COVID-19 should follow CDC isolation guidance. The CDC is now recommending everyone ages 6 months and older get the newly updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine to help lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from the coronavirus. These updated vaccines are expected to provide protection against currently circulating variants and will be available soon. Increased protection is especially important for those who are high risk, elderly, those in nursing homes, and those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or have lung and heart conditions.

For RSV: Cases of RSV tend to rise from fall to spring. RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms but can sometimes be severe, especially in infants and older adults. In May, the first RSV vaccine was approved for those 60 and older. Those most at-risk for RSV complications are children under age 2, adults over 60, and those who are immunocompromised or with a lung or heart condition.

Deciding to get vaccinated in the early start of the K-12 school year is a proactive choice that demonstrates a commitment to the health of the entire school community. For individuals and families who may have concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, it is important to speak with health care professionals and rely on reputable sources for information.

Classroom environments must remain places where students and school staff can work, learn, and thrive without illness. We encourage all members of school communities to make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being as well as the well-being of their local schools. Together, we can all help lay the groundwork for a strong, successful academic year ahead.

 

Learn more:

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006


DPH Sees Lower Post-Holiday Increases in Cases and Hospitalization Than In 2022

DOVER, DE (Jan. 13, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an increase in post-holiday COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, though the increase is not nearly as high as the 2022 post-holiday surge. Still, DPH encourages individuals to take specific action steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, such as staying home when sick, testing when symptoms appear or when exposed to someone with COVID-19, staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, and considering wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

This time last year, Delaware reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic at 3,666 reported on Jan. 6, 2022, and 759 hospitalizations on Jan. 12, 2022. As of the latest data posted to the My Healthy Community dashboard Wednesday, there were 266 new cases on Jan. 6, 2023, and 202 hospitalizations for Jan. 10, 2023. While the reduced number of cases reported does not take into account the large number of likely positive results from at-home testing, which are not reported to DPH, the fact that hospitalizations remain so much lower is a good indicator that there is not as much serious illness being caused by COVID-19 infection. Even with new emerging variants, the tools available to successfully fight COVID-19 have become increasingly effective.   

Viruses constantly mutate and evolve, and sometimes these mutations result in new variants of the virus. The updated bivalent booster provides the best level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization as it strengthens the antibody response against two strains of COVID-19:  the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variants. Health experts say if has been eight (8) months or more since your last vaccine, your protection is limited.  If you are 5+ and it has been at least two months or more since you completed your primary series, haven’t had a recent infection since July, or haven’t been boosted since August, you are eligible for an updated booster. Learn more about where to get a booster at de.gov/boosters.   

Treatment also remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19. If an individual tests positive, especially if they are more likely to get very sick from the virus due to a health condition, treatments are available that reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Those who test positive should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if treatment is appropriate. Most treatments must be started within five days of when symptoms first appear, and the sooner treatment is started, the sooner it begins working to fight the virus.   

Individuals should ask about treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and are either: 

  • 50 years or older (especially over 65, as risk increases with age) 
  • Unvaccinated 
  • Listed as having certain medical conditions – such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more. 

More information, including test-to-treat sites and locations where treatment is available with a prescription, can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/

In comparison to COVID-19 data released on Dec. 15, Delaware has seen an increase in the 7-day daily average of new positive cases, hospitalizations and critical hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:    

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 324,137*   
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 221.3, an increase of 62.2 average new positive cases reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5 percentage points, an increase of 6.1 percentage points reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
  • Hospitalizations: 202 current hospitalizations, 24 critical hospitalizations  
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,220 – increase of 35 from last month including 29 from vital statistic review between Oct – Dec.
    *Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.    

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 2,099,714  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%     
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%     
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 82.9%     
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.1%     

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:    

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths and hospitalizations for the time frame of Jan. 2, 2023 – Jan. 8, 2023.    

  

  1. Not up-to-date: Case – Hospital – Death  

Weekly Overview
(01/02/23 – 01/08/23)  

Not up-to-date Cases  

Total Not up-to-date Cases  

1,232  

Total Cases  

1,448  

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases  

85%  

Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases  

Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases  

290  

Total Hospitalized Cases  

357  

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases  

81%  

Not up-to-date Deaths  

Total Not up-to-date Deaths  

2  

Total COVID-19 Deaths  

2  

Percent of Not up-to-date Deaths  

100%  

    

Note:   

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9th, 2022)
DE resident only*   

     

Long-term Care Statistics:     

As of Thursday, Jan. 10, 2023, there have been a total of 5,278 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,016 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.    

Resources:     

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:     

  • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.     
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.     

   

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.    

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.    

   

###  

   

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.  


DPH ANUNCIA LA PRIMERA SOSPECHA DE MUERTE RELACIONADA CON INFLUENZA, INSTA AL PÚBLICO A VACUNARSE ANTES DE FIN DE AÑO

DOVER, DE (16 de Diciembre de 2022) – La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH) anunció hoy la primera muerte sospechada a estar relacionada con la influenza en el estado para la temporada de influenza 2022-2023. El paciente era residente del condado de Kent y tenía entre 55 y 64 años y no se informó que estuviera vacunado contra la influenza. Recibir la vacuna anual contra la influenza es importante para todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante para prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes que pueden resultar por el virus de la influenza. La hospitalización y la muerte por la influenza pueden ocurrir en individuos previamente sanos, aunque las personas con condiciones de salud subyacentes tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor a resultados graves. 

“La primera muerte de la temporada relacionada con la influenza nos recuerda lo peligrosa que puede ser la influenza,” dijo el Director Interino de la DPH, el Dr. Rick Hong. “La influenza comenzó a principios de esta temporada y ha estado muy activa. Vacunarse contra la influenza lo antes posible es la mejor manera de reducir la posibilidad de que la enfermedad de la influenza se convierta en complicaciones de la influenza que pongan en peligro la vida. Debido a que los hospitales, las visitas sin cita previa, los centros de atención de urgencia, y los consultorios médicos ya están sobrecargados con visitas de pacientes enfermos, debemos hacer todo lo posible para evitar agregar más estrés al sistema. Vacunarse contra la influenza es una forma muy simple de ayudarse a sí mismo y al sistema de atención médica en general.”

Según el tablero de influenza recientemente lanzado en My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2022-2023/overview), se han registrado un total de 5,609 casos de influenza. reportado hasta la fecha durante la temporada de influenza 2022-2023. La temporada de influenza comenzó el 2 de octubre de 2022. Durante la semana del 4 al 10 de Diciembre, la semana más reciente para la que hay datos de casos disponibles, se informaron 1,125 casos de influenza confirmados por laboratorio. Aunque se han administrado 276,911 dosis de vacuna contra la influenza desde el 2 de octubre hasta el 3 de Diciembre, solo representa el 28,6% de la población.

Las personas mayores de 65 años tienen la tasa de vacunación más alta de cualquier grupo de edad en Delaware con un 63.3% vacunado. Esta población constituye el 41.6% de la población total vacunada del estado. Todos los demás grupos de edad tienen una tasa de vacunación inferior al 30%, y las personas en el grupo demográfico de 18 a 34 años tienen la tasa más baja con un 11.1%. El tablero de datos de influenza se actualiza semanalmente los jueves a nivel estatal y de condado, y mensualmente para otras geografías. Si bien los casos de influenza siguen siendo altos, las hospitalizaciones por influenza siguen siendo relativamente bajas. A partir del 3 de Diciembre, los datos disponibles más recientes sobre hospitalizaciones por influenza, ha habido 47 hospitalizaciones en la temporada hasta la fecha.

La DPH recuerda al público que no es demasiado tarde para vacunarse contra la influenza. Visite flu.delaware.gov y haga clic en el botón Find A Flu Shot Near You en la página web para obtener una lista de los lugares donde puede vacunarse contra la influenza. Como recordatorio, es seguro recibir la vacuna contra la influenza y el refuerzo de COVID-19 el mismo día si es elegible para ambas.

La influenza, el RSV (Rirus sincitial respiratorio) y el COVID-19 son enfermedades respiratorias que pueden tener diversos grados de síntomas, desde ningún síntoma hasta síntomas graves. Debido a que estos virus comparten muchos de los mismos signos y síntomas, a menudo es difícil diferenciarlos. Los síntomas comunes entre estos virus incluyen fiebre, tos, fatiga, secreción o congestión nasal y muchos otros. Se necesitan pruebas para confirmar si está enfermo con estos virus. Si usted o un miembro de su familia necesita hacerse la prueba de la influenza, la DPH recomienda comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica primaria.

Si se enferma com influenza, los medicamentos antivirales contra la influenza pueden ser una opción de tratamiento que recomiende su proveedor de atención médica primaria. Los medicamentos antivirales funcionan mejor cuando se comienzan temprano, como uno o dos días después de que comienzan los síntomas de la influenza. Cuando el tratamiento se inicia dentro de 1 o 2 días después de que comienzan los síntomas de la influenza, los medicamentos antivirales contra la influenza pueden disminuir los síntomas y acortar el tiempo de enfermedad en 1 o 2 días.

Se alienta a los habitantes de Delaware a tomar las siguientes medidas preventivas para reducir la propagación de la influenza y otros virus respiratorios:

  • Vacúnese. Si bien actualmente no existe una vacuna para el RSV, existen vacunas tanto para la influenza como para el COVID-19. Asegúrese de estar al día y obtenga sus vacunas contra la influenza y el COVID-19 ahora. Puede obtener ambos durante la misma visita.
  • Quédese en casa si está enfermo.
  • Cúbrase al toser y estornudar.
  • Lávese las manos con frecuencia.
  • Realice la prueba de COVID-19 si está enfermo y, si da negativo, considere llamar a su médico para ver si debe hacerse la prueba de la influenza. Si le diagnostican influenza, su médico puede recetarle antivirales para aliviar sus síntomas.

Para más información llame al 1-800-282-8672 o visite flu.delaware.gov. La mejor fuente de información sobre la influenza es su proveedor de atención medica primaria o un profesional de la salud.


DPH Announces First Suspected Flu-Related Death, Urges Public To Get Vaccinated Before End Of Year

DOVER, DE (Dec. 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the state’s first suspected flu-related death for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The patient was a Kent County resident between the ages of 55 – 64 and is not reported as being vaccinated against the flu. Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus.  Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes.  

“The first flu-related death of the season reminds us just how dangerous the flu can be,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Influenza started early this season and has been very active. Getting your flu vaccine as soon as possible is the best way to reduce the chance for flu illness to turn into life-threatening flu complications. Because hospitals, walk-ins, urgent cares, and physicians’ offices are already taxed with sick patient visits, we must do everything we can to prevent adding more stress to the system. Getting your flu vaccine is a very simple way to help yourself and the overall health care system.”

According to the recently launched Influenza Dashboard on My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2022-2023/overview), a total of 5,609 total flu cases have been reported to date during the 2022-2023 flu season. The flu season began Oct 2, 2022. For the week of Dec. 4 to Dec 10, the most recent week for which case data is available, there were 1,125 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported. Although there have been 276,911 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct 2 to Dec 3, it only accounts for 28.6% of the population. 

Seniors ages 65 and older have the highest vaccination rate of any age group in Delaware with 63.3% vaccinated. This population makes up 41.6% of the state’s total vaccinated population. Every other age group has a vaccination rate of under 30% with persons in the 18-34 age demographic having the lowest at 11.1%. The influenza data dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. While flu cases continue to be high, flu hospitalizations remain relatively low.  As of Dec. 3, the most recently available data for flu hospitalizations, there have been 47 hospitalizations for the season to date.

DPH reminds the public it is not too late to get vaccinated against the fluVisit flu.delaware.gov and click on the Find A Flu Shot Near You button on the webpage for a list of locations where you can receive your flu shot. As a reminder, it is safe to get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster the same day if you are eligible for both.  

Flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that can have varying degrees of symptoms, from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Because these viruses share many of the same signs and symptoms, it is often difficult to tell the difference between them. Common symptoms between these viruses include fever, cough, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, and several others. Testing is needed to confirm if you are sick with these viruses. If you or a family member need to get tested for the flu, DPH recommends contacting your primary health care provider.  

If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option your primary health care provider recommends. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. 

Delawareans are encouraged to take the following preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses: 

  • Get vaccinated. While there is currently no vaccine for RSV, there are vaccines for both flu and COVID-19. Make sure you are up-to-date and get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines now. You can get them both during the same visit. 
  • Stay home if sick. 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. 
  • Wash hands frequently. 
  • Test for COVID-19 if sick, and if that’s negative, consider calling your doctor to see if you should be tested for flu. If you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe antivirals to ease your symptoms. 

For additional information call 1-800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov. The best source of information about the flu vaccine is your primary care provider or a health care professional. 

 

### 

 

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.