18 Bay Area Flu Deaths; Red Cross Tips to Avoid the Flu

More flu deaths were reported Tuesday, bringing the Bay Area toll so far this season to 18 residents under the age of 65. Flu deaths in patients over 65 are not reported to county health departments.

Another person was reported dead in San Mateo County, bringing the number there to three. Santa Clara County held steady at four.

All of the deaths were attributed to the especially deadly H1N1 strain, known in 2009-2010 as swine flu.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross offered its Top 5 ways to prevent the flu:

1. Stay home if sick. 
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If that’s not possible, cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. People with the flu can spread it to others about six feet away through coughs and sneezes.     
   Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub.
4. Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub.     
5. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
   
   

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