Idaho records first flu-related death of 2018-2019 season
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IDAHO FALLS — The first flu-related death in the Gem State this season was a 50-year-old northern Idaho woman, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says.
“The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is reminding residents that flu can be serious,” said Idaho Influenza Surveillance Coordinator Randi Pedersen in a news release. “The most important action to take to prevent serious illness is to get a flu vaccine now.”
The IDHW says the 2017-2018 flu season resulted in 101 flu related deaths in Idaho. The seasonal average is 25 deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say influenza — the flu — is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. The CDC reminds everyone the flu will not always be accompanied by a fever.
IDHW recommends everyone over 6 months old get the flu vaccine.
“Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children, and people older than 65. These people should get vaccinated because they are at higher risk of having serious flu-related complications,” according to the IDHW news release.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three to four influenza viruses this year. A health care provider or pharmacist can determine which of the different flu vaccines is best for you.
Pedersen advises people in the news release to take additional precautions to limit the spread of influenza:
- Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you have washed your hands.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious foods and take part in physical activity to stay healthy.
- Avoid people who appear sick.
- Stay home from work or school when sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Last week the CDC said influenza activity in the United States remains low; however, the agency expects things to pick up soon.
To learn more about influenza, see this information from the CDC and the Idaho Health Department.