The first flu-related death in Spokane County was reported last week, and a school in Troy, Idaho, closed for a day because too many students were sick. It’s been a bad flu season so far all over the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the spread of the flu each year with weekly reports from state epidemiologists.
Does it still help at this point to get vaccinated?
Yes, it helps as long as the flu is still circulating. The good news is that there’s no vaccine shortage reported so far this year.
Who is most at risk?
Older people are getting hit hardest, but even healthy teens and adults have been among this year’s fatalities.
What keeps it from spreading?
The flu is a respiratory virus, so mouth-covering and hand-washing are smart habits. If there’s no soap and water available, opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. And if you feel like you might be coming down with the flu, stay home and avoid contact with people.
