First flu death reported in Kootenai County

The Panhandle Heath District reports that a Kootenai County woman has died of the flu, the first death reported in North Idaho this season.

The age of the adult woman was not released. Her death is the eighth in Idaho since the start of the flu season.

Experts recommend that everyone age 6 month and older get a flu shot, particularly the elderly, infants and pregnant women. There are anti-viral medications that people can take for the flu if they go to a doctor quickly after they begin showing symptoms.

Flu shots are available at local pharmacies, doctor’s offices and other health facilities. For more information call (208) 415-5270 in Kootenai County and (509) 324-1442 in Spokane County.