Flu claims Bonner County man |
| 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 |