The Jefferson County Health Department has reported the first two flu-related deaths of the respiratory season. The deaths were reported during the week of Jan. 5.
Since the respiratory season began Sept. 29, the county has seen 471 flu cases reported, with about 91 percent being type A. So far, flu cases were at their highest during the week of Dec. 22 when 125 cases were reported. There were 103 cases the week of Dec. 29 and 60 cases the week of Jan. 5, according to the Health Department.
The Health Department said 2,149 COVID cases have been reported this respiratory season so far. The Health Department currently is not reporting COVID-related deaths this season due to technical issues related to the state switching to a different reporting system. When the department gets the data, it will be added to the respiratory reports, spokesperson Brianne Zwiener said.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends updated COVID and flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. For more information, visit cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.
