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January 11, 2011 - Flu illness begins to increase in Idaho; people urged to take precautions
Idaho health officials are beginning to get reports of flu-like activity from around the state, prompting them to remind Idahoans to get vaccinated against the flu.
?While unpredictable, flu seasons often peak between January and March,? says Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen. ?We are now hearing increasing reports of influenza infections and hospitalizations. If you haven?t already been vaccinated against the flu, now is the time to protect yourself and your family.?
There is a record amount of flu vaccine available this season ? an estimated 160 million doses nationwide. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of six months. Infants are too young to be vaccinated, but are at high risk for flu complications so all family members are strongly encouraged to help protect them by getting vaccinated.
Last year in Idaho, 23 people died from complications of the flu, with an additional 309 people hospitalized. The dominant flu strain last year was the 2009 H1N1 virus. The vaccine this year protects against both the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza strains which are currently circulating.
Idaho health officials are beginning to get reports of flu-like activity from around the state, prompting them to remind Idahoans to get vaccinated against the flu.
?While unpredictable, flu seasons often peak between January and March,? says Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen. ?We are now hearing increasing reports of influenza infections and hospitalizations. If you haven?t already been vaccinated against the flu, now is the time to protect yourself and your family.?
There is a record amount of flu vaccine available this season ? an estimated 160 million doses nationwide. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of six months. Infants are too young to be vaccinated, but are at high risk for flu complications so all family members are strongly encouraged to help protect them by getting vaccinated.
Last year in Idaho, 23 people died from complications of the flu, with an additional 309 people hospitalized. The dominant flu strain last year was the 2009 H1N1 virus. The vaccine this year protects against both the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza strains which are currently circulating.
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