Two Idaho children die from flu
Two Idaho children have now died from the flu, the state Department of Health & Welfare reports, bringing the total number of deaths for the flu season to 21. The other 19 people who died all were over age 50. Last year, Idaho had no children under 18 die from the flu, but the year before, there were two, and the year before that, four.
“Our sympathies are with the families of all the victims, and especially with those grieving the loss of a child,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist. “Although influenza has hit the older population particularly hard this season, these pediatric deaths are a tragic reminder that influenza can be a very serious infection for all age groups.”
She said, “Influenza activity is still high, and as long as the virus is circulating in our communities, the best protection for you and your family is to get the vaccine. It is not too late to get the shot.” Click below for the full announcement from Health & Welfare.
www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
NEWS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Flu-related deaths in Idaho now number 21 and include two children
Public health officials in Idaho are reporting two influenza-associated deaths among children younger than 18, bringing the total flu-related deaths to 21 since the start of the flu season on Oct. 1, 2012. The 19 adult deaths reported all were individuals older than 50.
“Our sympathies are with the families of all the victims, and especially with those grieving the loss of a child. Although influenza has hit the older population particularly hard this season, these pediatric deaths are a tragic reminder that influenza can be a very serious infection for all age groups,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist. “Influenza activity is still high, and as long as the virus is circulating in our communities, the best protection for you and your family is to get the vaccine. It is not too late to get the shot.”
Vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 6 months of age. There is still plenty of pediatric vaccine for those who want it. Adults, however, may want to consider calling ahead to make sure vaccine is available, or find a clinic at www.flu.gov
Influenza can cause severe illness, especially for certain high risk groups such as those who are pregnant; those who have diabetes, asthma and heart disease; those with compromised immune systems; and the elderly. People who are at higher risk for complications from influenza should consult with their healthcare provider within the first 48 hours of illness to see if the use of antiviral medications would be right for them.
More severe symptoms that should prompt an immediate healthcare evaluation (either by your healthcare provider or at an emergency room) include:
·Fever above 100° F
·Fast breathing or trouble breathing
·Bluish or gray skin color
·Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach area
·Sudden dizziness
·Confusion
·Dehydration, not urinating enough or no tears when crying
·Severe or persistent vomiting
·Being very sleepy or confused, or not waking up or interacting
·Being so irritable that nothing makes a child feel better
·Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and more severe cough
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your family against serious respiratory illnesses. These include:
·Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
·Covering your cough and sneeze.
·Avoiding others who appear ill.
·Staying home if you or your children are sick to avoid infecting those around you.
These prevention tips are useful for influenza and other respiratory diseases currently in the community, including the common cold, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and whooping cough (pertussis).
For more information about influenza, please contact your local public health district or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza page:http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
