First flu related death of the season reported in Eastern Idaho Public Health region

Eastern Idaho Public Health reports that the first flu-related death of the season in their service region has happened after a woman over the age of 70 caught influenza.

This is the first death to be reported in the EIPH area but earlier this week Southeastern Idaho Public Health reported that two others had died from flu-related illness in their region. Those deaths marked a total of three deaths in Southeastern Idaho and a total of 4 for the entire state.

EIPH wants to remind people to get a flu vaccination and will be offering free flu shots to those without insurance. The shots will be available on a first come first serve basis until stock runs out. It is best if you can and schedule an appointment. You can find information to do so at eiph.idaho.gov.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. Most people who get influenza recover after a few days, but some people may develop serious complications and even die. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a cough and sore throat. People who are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu include:

Pregnant women People 50 years of age 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