Idaho Man Becomes First to Die From Flu This Season
HAYDEN, Idaho (AP) — A north Idaho man has become the first in the state to die from flu-related complications, signaling what may be an early flu season. The Spokesman-Review reports that the man was in his 50s. His death was confirmed to be influenza-related this week, according to the Panhandle Health District. The Spokane Regional Health District says four people in Spokane County have been hospitalized for the flu. No one has yet died in Washington. It takes several weeks to develop immunity to influenza strains after a vaccine, so health workers recommend getting a vaccine now, before flu viruses are circulating more widely. Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. During the 2016-17 flu season, 72 Idahoans and 276 Washingtonians died from the flu.