(NEWS CENTER Maine) — The Center for Disease Control says 21 people in Maine have died because of the flu since October 2017.
At this point last year, there were only two flu deaths in Maine. This year the death rate from influenza is 10 times higher.
However, last year by the end of the flu season, in May 2017, 71 people in Maine died from influenza. CDC officials say the flu season started late last year.
Of the 21 Mainers whose death certificates list the flu as their cause of death, all were over 55 years-old.
- 2 were 55-64 years-old
- 6 were 65-74 years-old
- 6 were 75-84 years-old
- 7 were 85 years or older
CDC officials say the flu season usually runs until May and are still urging Mainers to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of getting the flu.
CDC offers some obvious recommendations to stave off getting the flu
- wash your hands
- cover your cough
- stay home when you're sick for at least 24 hours
- get vaccinated
The CDC also offers tips on how to tell if you might have the flu as opposed to a common cold.