First influenza case confirmed this season

Spokane County’s first case of seasonal influenza this winter has been confirmed, several weeks after the start of the typical flu season.

The Panhandle Health District, which encompasses Idaho’s five northern counties, also has confirmed one case, spokeswoman Susan Cuff said.

The Spokane Regional Health District advises that it’s not too late to protect yourself from the infection.

“The first confirmed case means that the virus is in our community,” health officer Kim Thorburn said in a release.

“It is a wake-up call for everyone to practice those measures that will minimize its spread.”

That includes covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing your hands and keeping people home who have flu symptoms.

The flu season typically runs from October to March and peaks in December and January, according to the Spokane district.

Nationally, about 114,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die of flu-related complications each year.

At greatest risk are people over age 65, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women in their second or third trimester, and infants.

For a flu vaccine, call (208) 415-5100 in North Idaho or (509) 324-1643 in Spokane County.