An El Paso woman in her mid-20s is the second person to have died from the flu this season, despite having received the influenza vaccine.
According to local health officials, the woman had no known underlying medical conditions.
As of the second week in January, there have been 2,946 confirmed flu cases in El Paso, compared to 3,377 at the same time last year, according to a news release.
“As public health professionals, this is very difficult news to deal with, as is any loss of life,” Lead Epidemiologist Fernando Gonzalez said. “The only thing that could make this even worse is if our community assumes that this means the vaccine is ineffective, when we know that this is not the case.”
In additional to the flu vaccine, health officials recommend following these precautions to help prevent the flu:
- CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
- CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
- CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.
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