March 05, 2008

Health Officials Report First Flu-Related Deaths in Idaho This Year

Health officials are reporting two influenza-related deaths this week; one from Southeast Idaho and one from Southwest Idaho. Both deaths involved women over the age of 50 and are the first reported flu-related deaths in Idaho this year.

Most people who get influenza recover after a few days, but some people may develop serious complications and even die. Approximately 36,000 people die nationwide from the flu each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some individuals are at higher risk for serious flu complications, including those over 50 years of age, young children, and people with certain health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the people who died from complications of the flu,” says Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen. “This shows how important it is for all of us to continue taking precautions to avoid becoming infected with the flu.”

“This year’s influenza season became widespread in Idaho and the nation in early February, and we’re still seeing a lot of flu activity around the state”, says Tengelsen.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that infects 5-20% of people every year. Symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue. The virus and other respiratory illnesses are usually spread through coughing and sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces. To avoid getting sick or spreading the illness:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting other people. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm instead.
• Avoid people who appear sick.
• Stay home from work when sick.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out in the public. 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.

“Flu activity may continue into May so those who are at a high risk for serious flu-related complications should still consider receiving a flu vaccine if they haven’t already done so”, says Tengelsen. “This year’s vaccine hasn’t been a complete match for all of the circulating strains for the virus, but it still offers some protection and may help reduce the severity of flu-related complications”.

One of the most serious flu-related complications is bacterial pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, another vaccine-preventable respiratory illness. Those over the age of 65 and people with certain chronic illnesses or weakened immune system are at a high risk for this illness and should receive a pneumonia shot at least once. The pneumonia shot can be given at the same time as the flu shot. Talk to your healthcare provider about what shots are right for you.

For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please visit the CDC website. For information about bacterial pneumonia, please see the disease info sheet at CDC.