First flu death of season reported

The first flu cases of the year have been reported in New Mexico, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

Four cases of the flu were reported at a health care facility in Bernalillo County.

One 90-year-old woman died of causes suspected to be flurelated, and another 82-year-old man was hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, the department said in a news release.

Children, pregnant women, people with medical conditions and those over age 65 or who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to the flu, according to the department. There were at least 17 flu outbreaks at facilities across the state.

Symptoms of the illness can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. The Department of Health is urging New Mexicans to get a flu shot, wash their hands, cover their mouths if they cough and stay at home if they feel ill.

Flu shots are available through primary health care providers, public health offices for Medicaid recipients and through a number of free flu clinics.

Santa Fe County will be providing free flu shots through its mobile health van throughout November.

For information on dates, times and locations of the mobile health van, check sfnm. co/fluvan2017 or call 505-2312382.