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Flu widespread in Nebraska

Three people have died from flu-related illness in Nebraska, and state health officials say the virus is widespread.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says 801 cases were confirmed between December 21st and 27th. Douglas County had 231 confirmed cases last week, and is above 900 cases for the season.

Health Department Resource Specialist Phil Rooney says the actual number of cases is likely higher than that. Rooney says although this season’s flu vaccine isn’t protecting as well as it could, you should still get a flu shot.

"It’s quite possible for a person to get one strain of the flu and then catch another strain of the flu because there are more than one strain of flu circulating. So you have to be aware of that and consider the possibility, although it’s unlikely to happen, in theory you could catch the flu two or three times during the season."

Douglas County has about double the number of flu cases when compared to this time last year.

Rooney says you can help prevent spreading the flu by washing your hands frequently, covering your cough, and staying home if you’re sick. Young people and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the flu.