First Flu Death Reported in Southwest Idaho Amid Spike in Respiratory Diseases 

August 14, 2024 News Release

 Illness Awareness and Prevention is Encouraged 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2024

Southwest District Health (SWDH) epidemiologists have documented the first flu-related death this season. An elderly woman in Gem County has passed. This marks the 12th flu death in the state this season amid an increase in the number of respiratory illness cases in our area. Southwest District Health officials encourage individuals to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to take preventive measures to keep themselves and their families healthy. This year, the surge in respiratory disease is mainly attributed to three respiratory viruses circulating in the community: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (sin-SISH-uhl), commonly known as RSV, Influenza (Flu), and COVID-19. Hospitals and healthcare organizations around the nation and in Idaho are reporting increases in hospitalizations and emergency department visits over the past few weeks due to respiratory illnesses. Case trends for respiratory illnesses change quickly and usually peak between December and February.

Now is the time to take precautions and understand how you can prevent becoming ill and how to protect others in your family if you do become ill. 

Some of the ways you can help prevent becoming ill include: 

  • Cover coughs and sneezes 
  • Wash hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for 20 seconds)
  • Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others  
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with sick people
  • Limit contact with others if you are sick to keep from infecting them
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops frequently  
  • Practice healthy habits such as eating whole nutritious foods, exercising, and recognizing the importance of your mental health
  • If you catch the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat it during its early stages. Talk with your doctor if you become very sick with the flu and take antivirals if prescribed

Immunizations are available to protect yourself and your family from severe illness. Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive a flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. The RSV vaccine is new this season and has been approved for adults over the age of 60, as well as pregnant mothers during weeks 32 through 36 of their pregnancy to prevent disease in their baby. Infants up to 12 months old are eligible for the RSV preventive antibody. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if a vaccination is right for you and your family.

RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 usually cause mild cold-like symptoms. However, they pose heightened risks to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions. RSV predominantly affects infants and older adults, often leading to more severe respiratory complications in these age groups. Influenza, with its seasonal nature, can disproportionately impact the very young and the elderly, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 has been particularly harsh on older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, weakened immune system, or respiratory disorders, increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes.  

These viruses can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes sending virus-containing droplets into the air, where they can infect a person who inhales the droplets. Direct contact with the virus can also occur, for example, by kissing an infected person. Indirect contact can occur if the virus lands on a surface, such as a doorknob or table, that is then touched by other people who touch their eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands. Most commonly, people are contagious for three to eight days after onset of symptoms and may be contagious 1 or 2 days before they show signs of illness. Being infected once does not make you immune and reinfection does occur. 

For more information, visit these links: 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST DISTRICT HEALTH

Southwest District Health is one of seven public health districts throughout Idaho established to protect and promote the health and wellness of those who live, work, and play in our region. We proudly serve Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington Counties. We work in partnership with our community to identify health needs, design solutions, and implement services that encourage behaviors contributing to healthier, longer lives. Learn more at swdh.org.

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Media Contacts:

Monique Evancic, Public Information Officer 
Southwest District Health
Monique.Evancic@phd3.idaho.gov
208-800-1262

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