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Season's First Two Flu Deaths Reported In Idaho

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The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports two adults have died from influenza-related sicknesses.

The two deaths, one in Ada County and the other in Kootenai County, are the first flu-related deaths in Idaho this season. The department says 19 Idahoans died last year from the flu.

Both of the people who recently died were women, both were over 60-years-old.

“Our condolences go out to the families of those who died from complications of the flu,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. “This underscores how important it is for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infections. Now is the time to visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible.” - Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare

Health officials recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine.

Learn more about the flu, and ways to stay healthy,here.

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