The City of El Paso Department of Public Health has recorded the first flu-related death in the El Paso area this season.

According to the Public Health Director, Robert Resendes, the case involves a woman in her late 50’s who had underlying medical conditions. She had tested positive for Influenza A/H1N1, and it is not known if she had received a flu vaccine this year.

The flu vaccine is still considered the first line of defense against the disease with an almost 60 percent effectiveness this season. El Pasoans are encouraged to get vaccinated and practice flu-prevention measures such as the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu virus.

  • CLEAN - Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • COVER - Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
  • CONTAIN - Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
  • CALL - Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever of greater than 100 degrees.

El Paso residents can receive free flu shots every Thursday in March at the Safety, Health Outreach Center on 5415 Trowbridge from 1-4 p.m. Patients must be 18 or older. If they are 50 or older, they can also receive a free ColoCare kit. If they are 65 or older, they can also receive a free pneumonia vaccine.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the Department of Public Health, please visit EPHealth.com or dial 2-1-1.

More From 93.1 KISS FM