BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) – The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says an Owyhee County man has died from a flu-related illness – the first flu death of the season in the state.
The man was over 65 years old, but his exact age was not specified in a press release issued by the ministry.
Public health officials said in the release that while the timing and length of the flu season varies, flu-related emergency room and urgent care visits have been higher over the past two weeks than they were at the same time last year.
Idaho has averaged about 60 flu-related deaths per year over the past five flu seasons, with most deaths reported in people over 50, according to health and welfare officials.
“The Department of Health and Welfare reminds residents that the flu can be very serious,” said Dr. Kathryn Turner, Idaho Deputy State Epidemiologist. “Influenza activity is increasing in Idaho and across the country, with the highest flu activity currently seen in western states.”
Annual flu shots can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from flu, Turner said in the news release, and she encouraged Idahoans to consult their healthcare professional or pharmacist for information and recommendations about the annual flu shot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year’s vaccines are designed to protect against three different flu viruses that are expected to circulate during flu season.
“Washing hands regularly, covering coughs and staying home when sick are also great ways for Idahoans to reduce the spread of the flu,” the press release states.
Turner encouraged Idahoans at higher risk of serious flu-related complications to take extra precautions. Those most at risk include people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, young children and anyone 65 or older.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Although most people who get the flu recover after a few days, some can have serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or death, the news release states.
SUBMIT A CORRECTION
%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>
Gn Health
