Southeastern Idaho Public Health recently announced the tragic news that seven Southeast Idaho residents have died from influenz-related causes in the past month, making 49 Idaho influenza deaths overall. During the same period of time, eight people died of COVID-19.

Of the seven deaths, five were people over the age of 50, and the other two were aged between 19 and 49. Southeastern Idaho Public Health officials expressed their condolences to the families of these seven people.

SIPH warned Idaho residents to take precautions to avoid influenza. Residents are encouraged their local pharmacy to get vaccinated against the disease. Vaccinations are recommended for anyone ages 6 months and older.

Influenza affects about 5 to 20 percent of the population every year. Approximately 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations occur in the United States every year.Symptoms include a fever, sore throat, headache and cough. In most cases, people with influenza recover after a few days, but other cases are more severe.

People who are especially vulnerable to the flu include pregnant women, people ages 50 and older, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, people living in nursing homes and people who care for those who are at high risk.

Other recommendations to prevent infection are cover your mouth or nose when sneezing, stay home when sick, wash hands frequently and get plenty of rest. Drinking plenty of liquids, eating healthy and physical activity are also helpful.

For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu or flu.idaho.gov or contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 233-9080.