POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Southeastern Idaho Public reported that a 75-year-old Bingham County resident died from influenza, marking the first flu-related case in Southeast Idaho for the 2026-2027 flu season and the 3rd flu-related death in Idaho.
Health officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid the flu, including getting a flu vaccine if they have not already done so.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a cough and sore throat. Most people who get influenza recover after a few days, but some people may develop serious complications and even die.
The health agency provided the following guidance.
People who are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu include:
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older,
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung diseases,
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.
Everyone over six months of age is recommended to get the flu vaccine. Along with the vaccine, people should follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting other people.
- Avoid people who appear sick.
- Stay home from work or school when sick.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out in public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you have washed your hands.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious foods and take part in physical activity to stay healthy.
For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 233-9080.
