Posts tagged: 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.
Fifteen people have now died of flu in Idaho since Oct. 1, the state Department of Health & Welfare reports, all of them over age 50. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones because of complications from the flu,” said 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.” Click below for the full announcement from H&W.
Three people have died from the flu in Idaho, the state Department of Health & Welfare reports, all women over age 50; one was from southeastern Idaho and two from southwestern Idaho. “With the holiday season fast approaching, we strongly urge people to be vaccinated for flu so they and their loved ones remain healthy through the season,” said Dr. Kathryn Turner, the department's communicable disease prevention bureau chief.
This year's flu shot is a “great match to the circulating strains,” Turner said. “However, it takes about two weeks before peak antibody levels are reached and the vaccine’s protection is maximized. Unfortunately, only about a third of adults and 40 percent of children have received the flu vaccine so far this season. We’d really like to see an increase in vaccinations so people have a better chance at staying healthy.”
Click below for the full announcement from Health & Welfare.
Flu season has arrived in southwestern Idaho, the state Department of Health & Welfare reports, with cases already being reported in schools and long-term care facilities. Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist, said it's shown up earlier than usual. “With the approaching holidays and planned family gatherings, we strongly urge people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Tengelsen said. Click below for the full announcement from Health & Welfare.
Betsy Z. Russell covers Idaho news from The Spokesman-Review's bureau in Boise.
Named best state-based political blog in Idaho for 2013 by The Fix
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