The total of flu related deaths climbs to 13 in El Paso this season thus far.

The Department of Public Health has confirmed two new deaths related to the flu this year. A male in his 80s and a woman in her 70s have been identified and both also suffered from other underlying medical conditions.

Last a total number of 571 flu related cases where reported in El Paso while this year there have been 6,579 confirmed flu cases reported according to the Department of Health.

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The Department of Public Health encourages El Paso residents to call 2-1-1 to find a flu vaccine provider, some which are available for free to residents who are not medically insured.

Also make sure to practice the “4 C’s” – which may help with the risk of contracting the flu this season.

CLEAN - Wash and scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

COVER – Cover your cough with tissue and to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. (Always sneeze away from people or your desk area)

CONTAIN – Contain germs by staying away from others who are sick.

CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever that persists and is greater than 100 degrees.

Once you recover from the flu make sure you clean and desensitize your work, home and car area to help prevent spreading germs.

Here are some helpful tips:

Mobile Phone

Being sick means missing work and that means lots of communication via your phone. If you have a phone cover, take it apart and clean it thoroughly. Coughing and sneezing on the phone would surely have had germs creep into the crevices of your phone.

Remote Controls

Being sick means staying in bed and sometimes that means turning on the T.V. even if it is for background noise. Make sure you take a disinfecting wipe to all your remote controls.

Bathrooms

This is probably one of the main places you could pick up the most germs. Make sure to clean everything from your sink and toilet separately. Don’t use the same wipes and make sure to clean the light switches as well.

Toothbrushes

Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you weren’t brushing your teeth. So throw out that germ infested toothbrush and break out with a new one. Besides, you should be replacing your toothbrush every 3 months so it may be time to replace it anyways.

Kitchen / Tables / Sofas

If you had the flu then you were probably roaming around the kitchen for some soup and liquids and or laying on the family couch for a moment or two. Lysol everything down and wipe all counters and tables with disinfectant to avoid spreading germs.

Computers

At work and at home make sure to wipe down all tablets, keyboards or screens, and your desk with disinfectant and this also includes your work phone.

Bed Sheets / Towels / Clothes

If you had the flu you probably sweated up a storm in bed and in your pj’s, so make sure you wash them at high-temperatures to get rid of all those nasty germs.

Makeup

Ladies if you were sick and you were using your favorite lip gloss, eyeliner, or mascara you may have to throw them out. Make sure to clean all your brushes to avoid bacteria and re-infection.

Contact Lenses

Whenever sick don’t wear your contacts because you could pose a risk for pink eye. Avoid your contacts and wear your glasses. (Make sure you clean your glasses too)

Extras

Don’t forget to either wipe down or spray disinfectant on all your door knobs at home and at the office. Also, if you have a work mug or water bottle, make sure to wash them out before reusing. Plus, don't forget your vehicles steering wheel, car/house keys.

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