Douglas County Health Department Reports Season’s First Flu Death

            A woman in her 80s from Douglas County died this week at a local hospital of complications from the seasonal flu, according to the Douglas County Health Department.  

            She is thought to be the first flu-related death in Nebraska this season.

            “The family of this individual has our sympathies,” Dr. Pour said. “We have known the flu is in our community, and elderly people are at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill.”

            Several simple things can help prevent the spread of seasonal influenza:

·         Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your sleeve.

·         Wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face.

·         Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill.

·         Stay home if you are sick or keep family members home if they are sick.

·         If you haven’t done it already, consider protecting yourself with a flu vaccination.

            Other basic good health practices should be followed, such as making sure you eat right and get enough rest. Children under 5 years of age, adults 65 and older and pregnant women are especially at risk of complications from the flu.

            “The number of flu cases has slowly been increasing in Douglas County, but we still have a relatively small number of confirmed cases,” Dr. Pour said. “I hope everyone realizes that we are still early in the flu season and may not see the peak for several weeks, so it is important for people to take the appropriate precautions.”