The first flu death of the new year has been reported in Cheshire County.
The representative of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported that an adult had died of a confirmed case of the flu in early January, though they are not releasing the name or town or residence of the person.
According to a weekly influenza survaillance report compiled by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the first week of January, hospitals reported 11 positive tests for one particular flu strain. The flu is now considered widespread in the state, meaning there has been increased reports of influenza-like illnesses or influenza outbreaks in at least half of the state’s regions.
The flu is a respiratory virus that can infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, congested or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
The flu can be passed through the air or by touching infected surfaces, and people with the flu are contagious several days before and after they have symptoms.
The Center for Disease Control recommends getting the flu vaccine to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective, but the flu season is expected to last into March, so residents are encouraged to get it, if they have not yet.