DOVER, DE (Nov. 18, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the statewide 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the fourth consecutive month. Hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 have remained low over the same time period. Average new positive cases are lowest in Kent County, with Sussex County only slightly higher. However, the 7-day average in New Castle County is almost three times that of Kent County and double the average for Sussex County. In general, the level of community spread remains low. 

Testing and vaccination remain our best tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we prepare to gather with friends and family this holiday season. At-home testing is fast, convenient and reliable, especially for those who are feeling sick. If you test negative but still have symptoms, consider taking a second test within the timeframe described in manufacturer’s instructions. If the second test is still negative, contact your healthcare provider and consider you may have another respiratory virus like influenza (flu). 

 

Don’t let COVID-19 have a seat at your table this Thanksgiving.  Delawareans should remain vigilant to protect their loved ones from COVID-19 by following these key prevention strategies.

 

• Stay home if sick.  Even if it’s not COVID-19, you don’t want to spread flu or other germs to those around you, especially older, very young or immunocompromised friends and family.
  
• Get tested for COVID-19:
• • 1-2 days before a large gathering
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19
  • Five (5) days after being exposed to someone confirmed to have COVID-19
  •  
• Ensure your home or gathering place is properly ventilated. Click here for more information about improving ventilation in your home, including an online interactive ventilation tool. This easy-to-use tool helps you find the best combination of ventilation options in your home to decrease the level of COVID-19 particles in the air.
• Wear a mask when out or around others if it makes you more comfortable or are immunocompromised.
  
• Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccines, especially the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster, and flu shot.
  
• Cover coughs and sneezes if you are around others when they occur.
  
• After a trip, travelers are recommended to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop.

 

It is important to remember eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated bivalent booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or the Johnson & Johnson (J & J) vaccine. As per the CDC recommendations, the new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster, therefore that vaccine will no longer be authorized for use as a booster dose in people ages 5 and up. The bivalent booster is for those who completed their primary series, or previous boosters, two or more months ago. 

The Novavax vaccine is also authorized as a monovalent booster dose for adults ages 18 and older, at least 6 months after completing primary vaccination with Pfizer, Moderna or Novovax, or two months after J&J who have NEVER received a previous booster. Adults may choose to receive a Novavax booster instead of an updated Pfizer or Moderna booster if they are allergic to mRNA vaccines, or they don’t wish to get an mRNA vaccine. For more information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. 

 

 

DPH encourages individuals to get their booster at the same time as they get their annual flu vaccine, either in the same arm at least one inch apart, or in different arms. As of Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, a total of 598 influenza cases were reported for the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, an increase from the prior week. This brings the total number of influenza cases for the season to 1,404. While cases are increasing, influenza-related hospitalizations remain low at 23 statewide for the current season. 

As flu cases rise this season, only 26% of Delawareans have received their annual flu vaccine. The CDC encourages everyone 6 months older to get their annual flu vaccine by Thanksgiving. Flu vaccines and bivalent boosters are available at DPH clinics, many pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and some community events. You can find a list of locations for COVID vaccines at de.gov/getmyvaccine or at vaccines.gov. Locations for flu vaccines can be found on the flu finder on the flu.delaware.gov webpage. More details on the bivalent booster can be found at de.gov/boosters.  

 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another respiratory virus of concern. Cases are beginning to decline, but remain relatively high. During the week of Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, there were 102 laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV reported among Delaware residents with 606 total cases for the 2022-2023 season.

 

The co-circulation of COVID-19, flu and RSV continues to be a concern for Delaware. The three viruses have contributed to a strain on the health care system, and DPH urges the public to practice prevention guidelines to help reduce the impact and allow hospitals to continue caring for those who are seriously ill. Though a vaccine does not yet exist for RSV, it’s not too late to get critical protection from the flu if you not yet received a flu vaccine Close to half of the nearly 1,500 Delaware flu cases reported this season, occurred between Nov. 6 and Nov. 12. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the chance of getting sick. While it is still possible to get the flu even after you’ve been vaccinated, the vaccine reduces the severity of illness if you do get sick.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Healthy Community data portal on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.  

 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:  

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 315,440*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 105.9, a decrease of 40.5 average new positive cases reported since Oct 14, 2022  
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 6.7 percentage points, a decrease of 3.2 percentage points reported since Oct. 14, 2022  
• Hospitalizations: 99 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 5
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,163, an increase of 42 since last month, including 39 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics review of deaths occurring between June and October.
  
  *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:2,051,226
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.1%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.2%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.7%  
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72%  

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 Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2022.  
  

Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

 

Weekly Overview (10/31/22 – 11/06/22)
Not up-to-date Cases
Total Not up-to-date Cases	828
Total Cases	911
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	90%
Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases
Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases	94
Total Hospitalized Cases	100
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	94%
Not up-to-date Deaths
Total Not up-to-date Deaths	1
Total COVID-19 Deaths	1
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)  

  

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, there have been a total of 4,837 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,000 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. 

 

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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.  

  

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com. 

DOVER, DE (OCT. 28, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is concerned about increases in respiratory viruses in the state, particularly influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For the week of Oct. 16, 2022, through Oct. 22, 2022, there were 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu, compared to 19 cases the week before, bringing the statewide total for the season which began October 2, to 69.  For the same week, there were 98 cases of RSV, for a season total of 250. With COVID-19 continuing to circulate, DPH officials are concerned about the impact a “Tripledemic” of these respiratory viruses could have on the state’s overall health and hospital capacity. 

“We are managing the response to three serious respiratory viruses at once – the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 – and are significantly concerned about the impact increasing cases could have on an already strained hospital system,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong.  “Our primary message is stay home if you are sick. Fortunately, a vaccine is available for flu and COVID-19, and now is the time to ensure all eligible Delawareans have received these critically important immunizations including the new COVID bivalent booster to provide them with the most updated protection against circulating variants. Unfortunately, a vaccine is not available for RSV and the current increase in cases throughout Delaware and the country emphasize the need to carefully follow prevention measures for these seasonal viruses.” 

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headaches. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that are different from flu include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you are sick, the best thing to do is call your health care provider to see if you should get tested for COVID-19 or come in for a visit. Even if you take a home COVID-19 test and it’s negative, consider re-testing in two days, or consult your provider to see if you need a flu test. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms including fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in infants, fussiness and poor feeding.  It then progresses to more severe symptoms such as fast or short breathing or wheezing, and in infants and young children, grunting noises when breathing, chest caving in during breathing, and skin turning purple or blue due to lack of oxygen. While persons of any age can develop RSV, it is most common in children under age 2 and can be severe, especially for infants and older adults. Most people will recover in one to two weeks. 

Delawareans can help prevent the spread of RSV, COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses by following these simple steps.:

1. Get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses for which vaccines are available
2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in a wastebasket afterward
3. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
5. Sanitize commonly touched surfaces more frequently during the fall and winter
6. Wear a mask when cases are high or if you are at higher risk for respiratory illness

The Delaware hospital system is experiencing strain right now, and Emergency Department (ED) wait times can be lengthy.  DPH wants to remind Delawareans when to, and not to visit the ED or call 911.

VISIT ED:

• Trouble breathing or wheezing that is not well-controlled by asthma medications
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• A stiff neck and a fever
• A cut that won’t stop bleeding
• A broken bone
• Tightness in chest or pain
• Elevated blood pressure with other symptoms, such as chest pain or severe headache
• Drug overdose
• A head injury with vomiting, sleepiness, fainting or seizure
• An eye injury
• A serious burn
• At risk of harming themselves or others

DON’T VISIT ED:

• Need a COVID-19 test
• Don’t feel well but can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications
• Elevated blood pressure without other symptoms
• Runny nose/cough without trouble breathing
• Fever with mild symptoms
• Muscle soreness or backaches
• Minor cuts or scrapes
• Nausea or diarrhea without abdominal pain

For more information about RSV, the flu and COVID-19, visit publichealthalerts.delaware.gov. 

 

 

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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.  

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com. 

DOVER, DE (Oct. 11, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, one each in New Castle and Sussex counties for the 2022-2023 flu season. The cases involve an unvaccinated 43-year-old Sussex County woman, and an unvaccinated child under 5 years – old in New Castle County, both with influenza strain A. The new cases now confirm influenza in each county in Delaware and bring the total case count to seven.

 

The flu vaccine is recommended for Delawareans 6 months of age and older. Since it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also provide protection during the entire flu season. The vaccine can help prevent the flu and can safeguard against serious effects such as hospitalization or death if a person who does receive the vaccine catches the flu. It can also be administered during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine, at least one inch apart in the same arm or in a different arm.

 

Flu vaccines are offered through physician’s offices, many pharmacies (including those within grocery stores) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Flu vaccines are also offered at Public Health clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, flu vaccines will be offered at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services. For locations, visit the flu finder at flu.delaware.gov. The flu is easy to transmit, and you can get it even from seemingly healthy, but unvaccinated, children and adults. Children, older adults and those who have chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now.

 

In addition to getting an annual flu shot, Delawareans can prevent the spread of the flu the same way they can prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Maintain 6 feet of space between others, especially those who reside outside of your own home
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headaches. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that are different from flu include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you are sick, the best thing to do is call your health care provider to see if you should get tested for COVID-19 or come in for a visit.

 

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. People with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with well people in the household; you can give someone the flu 24 hours before you show symptoms and five to seven days after you get sick. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

 

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

 

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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. 

 

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

*Editor/Reporter note:  Apologies to everyone for the confusion but we were just informed that the pediatric case was mistakenly listed as occurring in this flu season due to a data entry error, when instead it occurred prior to October and is included in last season’s total.  The release has been updated below to show the accurate count for this season to date. 

DOVER, DE (Oct. 5, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza for the 2022-2023 flu season. The first case involves a 32-year-old Kent County woman, with influenza strain A, who was vaccinated.

 

“Announcing our first case of the flu, just days after the start of the season, is a strong indicator for Delawareans to get their flu vaccines as soon as possible,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “The flu is a threat to our health, and getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from either getting it, or at the very least reducing the severity of symptoms and illness if you do get it.”

 

The flu vaccine is recommended for Delawareans 6 months of age and older and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Since it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also provide protection during the entire flu season. The vaccine can help prevent the flu and can safeguard against serious effects such as hospitalization or death if a person who does receive the vaccine catches the flu.

 

During the 2021-2022 flu season, Delaware recorded more than 2,700 laboratory-confirmed flu cases. More than 150 Delawareans were hospitalized due to the flu and three people died from flu complications.

 

A schedule for flu vaccines at Public Health clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/fight-the-flu/flu-vaccine-finder. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, it is offering flu vaccines at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services. Flu vaccines also are offered through physician offices, many pharmacies (including those within grocery stores) and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

 

To locate where flu vaccines near you are being offered, Google “CDC flu finder” and enter your ZIP code. The flu is easy to transmit, and you can get it even from seemingly healthy, but unvaccinated, children and adults. Children, older adults, and those who have chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now.

In addition to getting an annual flu shot, Delawareans can prevent the spread of the flu the same way they can prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• maintain 6 feet of space between others, especially those who reside outside of your own home
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

 

The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms. They include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, and headaches. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that are different from flu include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you are sick, the best thing to do is call your health care provider to see if you should get tested for COVID-19 or come in for a visit.

 

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. People with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with well people in the household; you can give someone the flu 24 hours before you show symptoms and five to seven days after you get sick. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

 

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

 

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A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

 

The Department of Health and Social Services 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.