Flu bug, crawl away
Hoyer
North Idahoans should still be cautious about catching the flu, even though flu season is usually over by now.
Influenza B H3N2 is lingering in the Inland Northwest, causing a second surge of the virus in some areas following outbreaks of the A strain earlier in the season.
"The number of influenza cases is slowly trending down, but influenza season is continuing on in North Idaho," Panhandle Health District public information officer Katherine Hoyer said Tuesday. "We’ve had a long flu season in North Idaho. It started earlier and it’s ending later than in previous years."
PHD epidemiologist Dave Hylsky said two new flu deaths occurred in March, bringing Idaho flu-related deaths to 86 this season, with 36 in North Idaho, "which is pretty bad."
All but one of the victims were 50 or older. Hylsky speculated that North Idaho may be getting hit harder this year because of its slightly older population, which includes many retirees, as well as lower vaccination rates.
The weather also has had an impact on the local flu status.
"It's been a cold spring and cold winter," he said. "More people are staying inside and spreading it that way."
B H3N2 causes fever and feverish chills, but not everyone will experience a fever. It can cause cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.
Although B H3N2 is hanging around, Hylsky said "there's no reason to believe this strain is any stronger than other strains, so that's definitely good news."
He predicts the virus will remain active in the Idaho Panhandle for at least another three weeks, but gave the reminder that a person can get the flu any time of the year.
Preventative measures include washing hands, coughing into tissue or sleeves if no tissue is available, using hand sanitizer and not going out when feeling under the weather.
"You always want to stay aware," Hoyer said. "If you are feeling sick, we encourage people to stay home. Try not to go to work and spread it."
Hoyer and Hylsky both recommended flu vaccinations for those who are able.