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One man has died of complications related to the flu in Oakland County.
The first flu death of the season was recently reported to county health officials, according to a news release. The victim was a 69-year-old Oakland County man.
However, there are fewer reported flu cases in the county than in previous years at this time, the release said. Flu season began Oct. 1.
Health officials are urging residents to get the flu shot, which Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust says is the “most effective protection against the flu.”
The flu vaccine is available at many pharmacies, through primary care providers and local health departments.
Everyone over the age of 6 months should receive the vaccine annually, the Oakland County Health Department said.
“Getting an annual flu shot decreases the risk of getting the flu,” the release said. “It also helps decrease severity of illness, complications and protects the entire community, especially those who are unable to be vaccinated.”
Children under the age of 5, pregnant women, elderly adults and those with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk for complications if they contract the flu virus, the release states. These individuals and those who live with or care for them should “especially” get the flu shot.
Other preventative actions include washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water is unavailable.
The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. It can be spread from as far as six feet away. Not as common, people can contract the flu by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The flu usually occurs suddenly and can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes lead to death.
Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)