PHD reports influenza-related death
An individual in their 20s in the first person to die due to complications from an influenza infection, Panhandle Health District officials announced Friday.
The death is the region's first influenza-related death for the 2023-24 flu season. Since flu is not a reportable disease in Idaho, no other information on the individual is available. This is the ninth flu-related death in Idaho this season.
“We want to remind residents that flu can be very serious,” said Jenna Dowell, Clinical Services Division Administrator for PHD in a news release. “We are seeing an increase in flu activity in our area and throughout the state. The best way to protect yourself is to receive the flu vaccine.”
Receiving the influenza vaccine every year is especially important for people at higher risk for serious flu-related complications, the health district said in the release. Healthy people should be vaccinated to protect vulnerable populations, such as elderly people and people who live in long-term care facilities, where they could be exposed to influenza by family and friends.
“Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist to determine which vaccines are best for you,” the health district said.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue. Although most people who catch the flu recover after a few days, some can have serious complications and even die.
In addition to becoming vaccinated against flu, Idahoans can take other actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. 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.
• Stay home from work or school when sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
The health district advises residents to call their local primary care provider, local pharmacy or PHD if they wish to schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine. For more information visit www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org. Flu shots can also be found using vaccinefinder.org.