Two women have died from influenza-related causes in Idaho — the first deaths in the state this flu season, the Department of Health and Welfare reported Dec. 23.
The two women were over the age of 70 and lived in northern Idaho. The state health department is urging people statewide to get vaccinated against the flu. Everyone older than 6 months should get an annual flu shot, particularly people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and people older than 65 years.
"Although these deaths occurred in northern Idaho, influenza activity is on the rise statewide," said Leslie Tengelsen, PhD, Idaho's flu surveillance coordinator. "One important prevention measure for Idahoans is to get an annual flu shot."
According to the CDC's most recent FluView report, there have been 3.7 million illnesses, 32,000 hospitalizations and 1,800 deaths due to the flu across the country during the current flu season.
During the past four flu seasons, Idaho has experienced an average of 64 flu-related deaths per season. A majority of the deaths occurred among people over 70 years.