Man dies in Idaho’s first flu-related death of the season
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
IDAHO FALLS — A northern Idaho man over the age of 50 has died from an influenza-related illness.
“The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is warning residents that the flu season appears to have arrived early this year, with this first influenza-related death of the season and early reports of flu activity from other parts of the state,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, the state influenza surveillance coordinator. “This underscores how important it is for all of us to take precautions now to avoid influenza infections. In addition to washing your hands and staying home if you are sick, visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family now and for the rest of the influenza season.”
This is Idaho’s first influenza-associated death of the season.
The first reported influenza-related death last season didn’t occur until December.
Last flu season, 72 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho.
On average, 23 people die from flu-related illness each year, based on data from 2009-2010 through 2015-2016 flu seasons.