Flu claims Bonner County man
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January 14, 2014 |
Flu-related complications led to the death
of a Bonner County man in his 50s last weekend.
The death was the first reported in the five
northern counties this season related to the
flu. His name has not been released.
The man suffered from ongoing health problems
that placed him in a high-risk category for flu
complications.
“Our hearts go out to his family,” said Lora
Whalen, Panhandle Health District (PHD)
director. “This serves to remind us how virulent
the flu virus is.”
The flu has picked up its pace in northern Idaho
in the last month. Flu is not a reportable
illness in Idaho. PHD relies on weekly reports
from schools, labs and doctors’ offices to gauge
the intensity of the season.
More people are visiting their doctors each week
with flu-like symptoms; fever, cough, sore
throat, body aches, headaches, chills and
fatigue. Doctors are requesting more flu tests.
Lab tests show that H1N1, the flu virus in the
2009 pandemic, is the virus most identified in
the positive flu tests so far.
This year’s flu vaccine targets H1N1 and several
other flu viruses. A flu vaccination is the best
protection from flu. The vaccine takes two weeks
after the shot to reach its full effectiveness.
Panhandle Health District has some remaining
vaccine.
Adult flu shots are also available at many
pharmacies throughout the area. People should
call first to make certain the vaccine they need
is available. Flu shots for children are
available at most pediatric offices.
Antivirals have been effective on the flu
viruses identified this season. Antivirals help
reduce symptoms after they’ve begun, but
patients benefit most when the medication is
started within 48 hours of the onset of
symptoms. People at high risk of flu
complications, such as pneumonia, should call
their doctors as soon as they notice flu
symptoms.
The flu is highly contagious. Germs travel
through the air when people don’t cover their
coughs and sneezes. Flu germs stay on doorknobs,
light switches and other commonly touched
objects. People with symptoms should call their
doctors and minimize contact with other people,
cover their coughs and sneezes and stay home.
People at greatest risk for complications with
the flu viruses identified are:
· Young children
· People in their senior years
· Pregnant women or women who just gave birth
· People with chronic medical conditions
· Anyone younger than 19 on long-term aspirin therapy
· Anyone morbidly obese
· American Indian and Alaskan Natives
· Residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities.
Spokane Regional Health District has reported
the flu-related death of a woman in her 40s this
week. The woman is the fourth flu-related death
in Eastern Washington this flu season.
A limited number of flu shots are available at
PHD offices, so calling first is recommended.
· PHD Hayden – (208) 415-5270
· PHD Bonner – (208) 263-5159
· PHD Boundary – (208) 267-5558
· PHD Benewah – (208) 245-4556
· PHD Kellogg – (208) 786-7474 |
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