Nebraska Has First Flu-Related Death Of The Season

The first flu-related death in Nebraska this season has occurred in the North Central District Health Department region, which covers Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce and Rock Counties.  A second death has also occurred in the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health department region. Both people were over 65.

Flu is slowly increasing across the state.

“Flu can be life-threatening disease for some people and it can make any of us sick,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist with DHHS. “That’s why we recommend flu vaccine for everyone—from babies 6 months and older to adults 100 and over. It’s our best protection against the flu,”
​
Vaccination can reduce flu-related illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work & school and flu-related hospitalizations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, and it’s extremely important they receive vaccine:     

• Young children
• Adults 65 years of age or older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic lung disease (like asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions and certain other long-term health conditions
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Flu vaccine is safe, effective and rigorously tested. The most common reaction people may experience from a flu shot is soreness and redness at the injection site. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to build immunity.

Flu shots are still being offered across the region. Check with your local clinic or call the health department at 402-336-2406.

In addition to vaccination, protect yourself from the flu and other winter illnesses by:

• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick
• Staying home from school, work, family gatherings and social functions if you are sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands
• Eating healthy and getting plenty of rest
• Not smoking ​

For more flu information, visit the NCDHD website at www.ncdhd.ne.gov,  DHHS website at www.dhhs.ne.gov/flu or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.