Cherokee County recorded its first flu-related death during the weekend, according to Coroner Jeremy Deaton.
The victim was an elderly woman, who suffered acute respiratory failure after being diagnosed with the flu just hours prior to her death.
Deaton said in a news release that he strongly encourages all county residents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and prevention guidelines for trying to prevent the spread of the disease. Anyone having symptons should consult with a physician as soon as possible, he added.
The CDC is investigating more than 50 flu-related deaths in Alabama so far this season, Deaton said.
Etowah County had one flu-related death last month, according to Etowah County Coroner London Pearce.
“In the meantime do everything you can protect yourself, your family — and your friends and coworkers, and that means taking simple, common-sense precautions to lessen the chances of contracting and/or spreading the disease,” Deaton said. “The CDC recommends that everyone in your family be vaccinated, as a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.”
It is recommended everyone six months of age and older get flu vaccine before flu activity begins. However, getting the vaccine later on may still help lessen the effects of the flu. Vaccines are offered in many locations including doctor’s offices and clinics, health departments and pharmacies, and by many employers.
Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of flu viruses: Avoid close contact with sick people, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, cover your coughs and sneezes — wash your hands often with soap and water — and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu viruses.
If you become sick, limit contact with others as much as possible. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Bear in mind that your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine before resuming normal activities.
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.