Local woman dies from flu, pneumonia, coroner says

On Feb. 14, 2018 the Douglas County Coroner’s Office released preliminary autopsy findings on Chantelle Clark, 24, of rural Tuscola. Ms. Clark passed away as a result of an unidentified flu strain and pneumonia. The County Officials of Douglas County would encourage all citizens within Douglas County to obtain an up-to-date flu shot and follow these flu prevention guidelines put out by the CDC.

Flu Prevention

• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most important step in preventing influenza infection.
• Flu vaccines protect against 3 or 4 different flu viruses. Three component vaccines contain an H3N2, an H1N1 and a B virus. Four component vaccines have an additional B virus component.
• So far during 2017-2018, H3N2 viruses have been most common; unfortunately flu vaccines usually do not work as well against H3N2 viruses. But the proportion of influenza B and H1N1 viruses is increasing and flu vaccines usually work better against those viruses.
• Even with reduced vaccine effectiveness, vaccination may still prevent some flu illnesses, medical visits and hospitalizations.
• Also, there is some data to suggest that even if someone gets sick after vaccination, their illness may be milder.
• CDC continues to recommend that people get vaccinated as long as influenza viruses are circulating vaccine timing.
• Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
• People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to them.
• Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead.
• Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. CDC recommends rapid antiviral treatment in people who are very sick with flu or people who are at high risk of serious flu complications who develop flu symptoms. For people with high-risk factors, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from the flu. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.