Flu Season Claims First Oakland County Life

The first flu-related death of the season has Oakland County officials urging everyone to get vaccinated. Kathy Forzley, Director of Oakland County Health and Human Services, said getting a flu shot isn’t just about taking care of yourself.

“If you were to get a mild case of the flu you may be okay,” she said, “but there is the potential of passing it along. It could be life-threatening to that person.”

Forzley wouldn’t give specifics about the county’s first flu-related death, in terms of the person’s identity or location. The flu season officially starts on Oct. 1 each year.

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In the 2016-17 season,18 adults died from flu-related illness. In 2015-16, one pediatric death was recorded and seven adult deaths.

It’s not uncommon for the number of deaths related to flu to fluctuate dramatically from year to year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From the 2010-11 season to the 2013-14 season, the number of deaths varied from 12,000 to 56,000 nationally.

The fluctuations are usually tied to new strains of flu circulating through the population, Forzley said. The CDC said precise numbers on flu-related deaths are hard to track because of how deaths are reported.

“First, states are not required to report individual seasonal flu cases or deaths of people older than 18 years of age to CDC,” the Federal agency wrote on its website. “Second, seasonal influenza is infrequently listed on death certificates of people who die from flu-related complications.”

The good news is that getting vaccinated cuts risks. The Oakland County Health Division is recommending everyone over the age of six months receive an influenza vaccination. Those who are at a higher risk of flu complications such as children younger than 5-years-old, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions should especially get a flu shot and take preventive actions.

“Flu season has just begun so this is a critical time to get vaccinated, which is the best way to prevent the flu,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “You can also help prevent the flu by washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home when sick.”

Getting an annual flu shot decreases the risk of getting the flu. It also helps decrease severity of illness and complications and protects the entire community, especially those who are unable to be vaccinated.

The flu virus can be spread to others as far as six feet away, mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person may also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.

Washing your hands often with soap and water is a proactive way to avoid this. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Flu shots are available at Oakland County Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield from Noon – 8 p.m. on Mondays and 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Pre-payment and registration are not available at these walk-in clinics.

Flu shots cost $25. The high-dose flu shot recommended for those 65 years and older is $47 and is covered by Medicare. Payment options include cash, credit (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), Medicare, Medicaid, and some insurance.

Credit card fees apply. Please bring picture identification and all insurance cards to the clinic. OCHD participates in the Vaccines for Children Program. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health; follow the Health Division on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @publichealthOC; or call the Health Division’s Flu Shot Hotline at 800-434-3358. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533.

Photo by Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images