Two more flu-related deaths bring Del. toll to five

DELAWARE (WTXF) - Public health officials say two more people have died from the flu in Delaware, bringing this flu season's death toll in the state to five.

"We're getting 50 to 60 percent of patients to vaccinate their children with flu vaccine that is not enough and so we're seeing a lot of children getting sick." Pediatrician Jonathan Miller says currently two of his young patients are admitted to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital.

"We"re going to have hundreds of children admitted to the hospital with flu this year that would be normal, yes," Dr. Miller said.

Having all of those kids recover and go home has Dr. Miller and all local physicians working even harder this flu season to get people to get vaccinated, take precautions and seek treatment sooner and better than last year.

Doctors tell us close to 200 children died nationwide and tens of thousands of adults died of flu-like symptoms. Our tri-state region contributing to that number last year and already the CDC map is showing widespread lab-confirmed cases.

Public health officials are promoting all kinds of precautionary measures to not get socked by soaring cases of flu illness and death late in the season heading into spring.

Dr. Mike Cirigliano says it's frustrating getting people to heed the warnings.

"What's frightening is the fact parents and many adults--up to one third in this country--have decided I'm not gonna do it and that can be deadly," Dr. Cirigliano ​​​​​​ said.

Flu shots are still available at DPH clinics located within the State Service Centers. Visit Flu.Delaware.gov for clinic schedules and additional information.

DPH will be administering free flu vaccines in the basement floor Library in Legislative Hall at 410 Legislative Ave., Dover, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additionally, flu vaccines continue to be available at many pharmacies and grocery stores, and through primary care physicians and some specialists.