FAYETTEVILLE — The first local flu-related death of 2013 happened Friday.
Roger Morris, Washington County coroner, said Tuesday a male in his mid-70s died from the flu at Washington Regional Medical Center.
Nine people have died from the flu in the state as of Monday, said Ann Russell, state Department of Health spokeswomen.
The most deaths from the flu in recent history was in 2009 when 20 died during the H1N1 pandemic, Russell said.
Last week’s death highlights the severity of the viral infection. Common causes of death related to the flu are respiratory failure and pneumonia, Morris said.
People should know health units still have plenty of flu vaccinations, Russell said.
“Everybody needs the shot, but we really want pregnant women to get vaccinated,” Russell said. “Newborn babies cannot get a shot within 6 months, but mom can pass along the immunity to the baby.”
About 62 percent of the people vaccinated are protected from the flu, she said.
People could be sick with the flu for 48 hours without any symptoms which is one of the reasons the infection is so contagious, Russell said.
Gary Wheeler, a doctor with the health department in Little Rock, said last week people need to be aware of how the flu is transmitted in addition to getting vaccinated. He said the greatest risk comes through hand-to-hand contact with people who are infected. He said being aware of the risks and modifying your behavior to minimize the risk of transmission is important. He said frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers are helpful.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu season started about five weeks early this year. The CDC recommends people stay home at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.