Idaho’s flu death toll hits 4 since October

An elderly Nampa woman has become the fourth Idahoan to die from the flu since the flu season began in October, health officials said Monday.

According to Centers for Disease Control data for the week ending Dec. 13, Idaho is one of 19 states with moderate to high levels of the virus.

As the season progresses, experts expect the number of flu cases to rise.

Jeff Doerr, an epidemiologist with Southeastern Idaho Public Health, said hospitals and clinics around the region have reported a number of patients with flu-like symptoms in the last two weeks.

“It’s usually that rapid onset. The fever to general muscle aches, the fatigue,” said Doerr.

One reason the flu may be spreading so quickly: Doerr said some people don’t even realize they have it.

“You can start spreading it a day before you start feeling ill, and then up to five, six days after signs and symptoms have started,” said Doerr.

Experts recommend washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of the flu. You should also stay home when taken ill.

Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable to the flu.

Doerr said all of the deaths in Idaho so far have been patients over the age of 50.