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.    

   

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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.

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 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. 

 

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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.

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 Shares Monthly COVID-19 Update, Announces Changes to Data Reporting and Booster Guidance

DOVER, DE (Dec. 15, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing several key updates related to COVID-19 data and vaccines.  According to the most recent data on the state’s My Healthy Community data dashboard, the statewide 7-day average of new positive COVID-19  cases has increased slightly following Thanksgiving and other gatherings over the past month. Hospitalizations have also increased. As holiday travel increases and families gather in coming weeks, residents are urged to remain vigilant and protected against the COVID-19 virus. Consider masking up while shopping, testing before and after gatherings, and being prepared by getting vaccinated with the updated COVID booster. As of Dec. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports COVID-19 community levels in Kent and Sussex counties as medium. New Castle County is low. 

Vaccine Effectiveness Study – This week marks two years since the first patient in the United States received a COVID-19 vaccine. As the virus evolved and more variants emerged, the U.S. adjusted the program with the recommendation of additional doses and variant-specific boosters.  A recently published Commonwealth Fund study estimates that from December 2020 through November 2022, the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program prevented more than 3.2 million additional deaths and 18.5 million additional hospitalizations. In addition, the modeling indicates that there would have been nearly 120 million more COVID-19 infections over that time period and the vaccination program saved over $1.15 trillion in medical costs that would have been incurred otherwise in the United States alone. Given increases in cases amid the co-circulation of three respiratory viruses, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is more important than ever.

Bivalent Boosters for Infants/Toddlers – On Dec. 9, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Moderna to expand use of the bivalent booster to ages 6 months – 5 years. In addition, Pfizer’s bivalent booster received Emergency Use Authorization for use as the third dose in the primary series for 6 months – 4 years of age, but not for use as a bivalent booster. Those ages 5 and older are eligible for a Pfizer bivalent booster, and those ages 6 and older are eligible for a Moderna bivalent booster, under previous authorizations. Specifically: 

  • Children 6 months through 5 years of age who received the original (monovalent) Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine are now eligible to receive a single booster of the updated (bivalent) Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine two months after completing a primary series with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. 
  • Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have not yet begun their three-dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or have not yet received the third dose of their primary series, will now receive the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as the third dose in their primary series. 
  • Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have already completed their three-dose primary series with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will not be eligible for a booster dose of an updated bivalent vaccine at this time. Children in this age group who already completed their primary series would still be expected to have protection against the most serious outcomes from the currently circulating omicron variant. 

DPH expects supply of these bivalent doses for infants and toddlers to arrive in Delaware this week.  As soon as supply is received, providers may begin administration. Full details and information about where to obtain these vaccines are available at de.gov/boosters and de.gov/youthvaccine. 

Transition to weekly reporting of COVID-19 data on My Healthy Community – Starting Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, COVID-19 data reporting on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community (MHC) data portal will transition from daily to weekly updates. This is consistent with the CDC’s reporting structure, which moved to providing weekly data updates in October. Going forward, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated every Wednesday with a reporting time frame from Wednesday of the prior week to Tuesday of the current week. In the event of a significant surge in cases, while DPH will not revert back to daily data reporting on the dashboard, the agency will work to make more real-time data available. The next update on MHC will be posted Wednesday, Dec. 21.   

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:  

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 319,477* 
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 159.1, an increase of 53.2 average new positive cases reported since Nov 18, 2022   
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 9.4 percentage points, an increase of 2.7 percentage points reported since Nov 18, 2022   
  • Hospitalizations: 148 current hospitalizations, 11 critical hospitalizations
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,185, an increase of 22 since last month, including 21 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics review of deaths occurring between February and November.*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: 2,083,675
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.2%   
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.3%   
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.8%   
  • 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 Dec. 5, 2022 – Dec. 11, 2022.  

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

Weekly Overview(12/05/22 – 12/11/22) 

Not up-to-date Cases 

Total Not up-to-date Cases 

930 

Total Cases 

1074 

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases 

86% 

Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases 

Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases 

148 

Total Hospitalized Cases 

162 

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases 

91% 

Not up-to-date Deaths 

Total Not up-to-date Deaths 

0 

Total COVID-19 Deaths 

0 

Percent of Not up-to-date Deaths 

0% 

  

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, Dec. 15, 2022, there have been a total of 5,028 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,006 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.  

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. 


COVID-19 Cases Continue To Decline; Bivalent Boosters For Youth Authorized

DOVER, DE (October 14, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the third consecutive month. Deaths remain low, and hospitalization rates are holding steady. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which factors in data on hospitalizations and cases in each county to determine recommended community prevention strategies, COVID-19 community levels in Kent County are now high, Sussex County remains at medium, while levels in New Castle County continue to be listed as low as of October 13.    

 

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer for the bivalent booster for ages 5-11 and to Moderna for their bivalent booster for those ages 6-17 who have received their primary series of vaccination at least two months before (a minimum of two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax). The CDC Director also signed off on the expanded authorization.  Bivalent boosters were previously authorized on Aug. 31 for those ages 12+ for Pfizer, and for Moderna, ages 18+.  Moderna’s bivalent booster for ages 5-11 will utilize the same product as the adult booster, just at a lesser dose. Pfizer’s bivalent booster for youth will come in a separate vial as it requires dilution, while the adult formula does not, for more information, visit de.gov/boosters

 

The updated boosters target two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus, and two of the Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), currently, the most widespread variants in the world. To reduce confusion among the public and vaccine providers, and because they do not offer the increased levels of protection provided by the bivalent boosters, the original (monovalent) booster formula is no longer authorized for use in those 5 and older. Medical providers may no longer administer them. Individuals who have recently had COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to get a bivalent booster to optimize their protection, even if they received a monovalent booster before. Those who recently had COVID-19 should also get the new booster but should consider waiting three months after they have recovered from the virus.  

 

DPH strongly encourages everyone to get their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible, and well in advance of any possible surge in the late fall or winter.   A recent Commonwealth Fund study found that if 80% of eligible individuals 5 and older receive their booster dose by the end of 2022, it would prevent about 90,000 deaths and more than 936,000 hospitalizations, while also preventing $56 billion in medical costs in the next six months. However, if the current pace of vaccinations remains unchanged nationwide through March 2023, a potential winter surge in the United States could result in as many as 16,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths per day, the study found.  

 

Individuals may also get a 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone 6 months older to get their flu vaccine by Halloween amid concerns of a potentially severe flu season. This week, DPH confirmed that flu is statewide and has already recorded the state’s first pediatric case of the season as well. 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.  

 

The webpage also has a link to a flier for the public which highlights some similarities between the labels of bivalent boosters and some primary series vaccines. Those getting a booster are encouraged to print and take a copy of the flier with them, or pull it up on their phone’s web browser, and ask the vaccine provider to show them the vial that your bivalent booster is being drawn from so they can confirm it is the correct one. It is an important step in being an educated health consumer and advocate for your personal health.  

 

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022.  

 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:  

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 310,819*
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 146.4, a decrease of 49.7 average new positive cases reported since Sept 15, 2022  
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 9.9 percentage points, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points reported since Sept. 15, 2022  
  • Hospitalizations: 105 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 8
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,121, an increase of 41 since last month including 35 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics reviews of deaths occurring between June and September.*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: 1,973,133
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.8%  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%  
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.6%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

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 Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2022.  
  

Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview
(09/26/22 – 10/02/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases 819
Total Cases 1269
Percent of Non-boosted Cases 64%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases 95
Total Hospitalized Cases 140
Percent of Non-boosted Cases 68%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths 1
Total COVID-19 Deaths 1
Percent of Non-boosted 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, October 13, 2022, there have been a total of 4,705 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 989 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. 


Delaware Announces Two New Flu Cases, Including First Pediatric Flu Case, Confirming Flu Is Statewide

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.