Brevard man with heart complication dies of flu

A 72-year-old man died from complications of influenza this week.

According to Dr. Heidar Heshmati, Director of the Brevard County Health Department, the man died at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville.

The man had not gotten a flu shot and had heart issue and other medical complications, Heshmati said.

The flu has hit Brevard hard this season.

"It hit hard and the number of the patients are up," added Heshmati.

There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow him @FTChrisBonanno.