A 34-year-old Dallas County resident recently died after contracting the flu, health officials said Wednesday.
Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed the patient is the 11th flu-related death in the county during the 2019-2020 flu season.
As per usual, identifying information was not released about the patient though county officials did say the person did not have any underlying medical conditions.
As with previous deaths, health officials reiterated the importance of getting a flu shot while adding it's not too late to get one.
"These flu deaths continue to remind us of the seriousness of the flu and how important it is for everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccine and practice prevention measures," said Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS Director and Health Authority.
Huang added that getting the vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
DCCHS will provide free flu shots for adults and children Thursday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 25. Click here for more information.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING FLU
- Get a flu vaccine every season, especially people with high risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- If you're experiencing flu symptoms, visit your doctor and begin taking antiviral medications to help you recover more quickly
WHAT IS FLU?
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, those age 65 and older or young children, or those with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk for flu complications. There are two main types of flu, Flu A and Flu B, that are generally responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
Learn more about the flu virus here from the CDC.
