Delaware's Division of Public Health reported an increase in the number of influenza-like illnesses on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005.

The DPH said 22 of the 45 cases reported this flu season have been documented in the month of January with 19 days remaining in the month.

The division also reclassified the state's flu status from regional, or occuring in only two counties in the state, to "widespread", indicating flu cases in all three counties now.

Because of the increase, the DPH advises residents to continue practicing good hygiene.

As is typical during this period, influenza reports also continued to increase nationally, mostly in the eastern United States.

Influenza-like illness is defined as symptoms that include a temperature of more than 100º F and either cough or sore throat in the absence of a known cause other than influenza.

DPH tracks ILI because most people are not tested for flu, and ILI provides an additional assessment of flu prevalence. All Delaware hospitals report weekly totals of ILI to DPH.

"Residents who qualify for influenza vaccination and have not received a flu shot are encouraged to get one," said Paul Silverman, DrPH, Associate Deputy for Health Information and Science.

"Frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes are effective ways to prevent the spread of influenza and other illnesses among those who have not been vaccinated. People who are sick should stay home from work, daycare or school."

Flu vaccine remains available through community physicians. It is not too late to benefit from a flu shot. Influenza strains identified nationally and by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory since October 2004 are covered by this year's vaccine.

Individuals eligible for flu vaccination include:

• Children age 6-23 months;
• Adults 50 years and older;
• Age 2-49 with chronic medical conditions;
• Women who will be pregnant during flu season;
• Residents of long-term care facilities;
• Children age 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care; and
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of people in the other high-risk categories.