The Delaware Division of Public Health is reporting a modest increase in influenza activity in Delaware.
Laboratory-confirmed influenza isolations show a clear progression of novel H1N1 cases from the week of Sept. 6, when 14 cases of novel H1N1 were reported, to the week of Sept. 20, when 48 cases were reported.
Also, reports of influenzalike illness (ILI) have increased. The Delaware Division of Public Health maintains a network of sentinel healthcare providers who report cases of ILI weekly.
During the week of Sept. 13, five sentinel providers reported an increase in ILI from three to 22 cases. This changes Delaware’s assessment of influenza activity as reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from sporadic to widespread.
It is important to note this technical designation does not imply Delaware is experiencing the same magnitude of influenza activity as occurred last spring.
Those who are sick with flulike illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fevers should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. Sick people should strive to keep away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading illnesses.
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