Idaho reports first flu-related deaths of 2014

Two Idaho adults have died from influenza. The two women, both over the age of 60, were the first deaths in Idaho attributed to influenza this year, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said Thursday.

Nineteen persons died from flu-related illness last year.

One of the victims was from Ada County and the other from Kootenai County.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare deputy state epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen recommended everyone older than 6 months get the flu vaccine.

“This underscores how important it is for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infections,” she said. “Now is the time to visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

This year, public health officials are recommending that children ages 2 through 8 years get the nasal spray flu vaccine, since it may work better than a regular flu shot in younger children.

Most people recover from influenza after a few days, but some people may develop more serious complications.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that infects 5 percent to 20 percent of people every year. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a cough and sore throat.

Complications of the flu can lead to more serious illnesses, including death. People who are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu include:
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years old and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung diseases
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with, or care for, those at high risk for complications from flu.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people can protect themselves from the influenza virus and other respiratory illnesses by practicing good health hygiene habits. To avoid infection, everyone is urged to:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting other people. Avoid people who appear to be sick.
• Stay home from work when you’re sick. Keep your children home from school if they are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out in the public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you wash your hands with soap and water.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious foods and take part in physical activity to stay healthy.