Idaho records first two deaths of flu season

BOISE (AP) - Idaho officials say the first two flu deaths for this flu season have been recorded in the state.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in a statement Thursday says a woman in southwest Idaho and another in North Idaho recently died from influenza-related illnesses.

The women from Ada and Kootenai counties were both over 60.

State epidemiologist Leslie Tengelsen says the deaths underscore the need to take precautions and get vaccinated.

Officials recommend everyone over 6 months old get the flu vaccine.

Public health officials this year recommend that children ages 2 through 8 get the nasal spray flu vaccine because if might work better than the flu shot for younger children.

Officials say flu kills about 36,000 people a year in the United States.