Flu cases on the rise

COEUR d’ALENE — The flu can be deadly, and it’s on the rise in the region.

Hospital and health officials in North Idaho and eastern Washington are encouraging residents to be vaccinated against the virus.

“We want to stress it’s not too late to get a flu shot,” said Katherine Hoyer, spokeswoman for Panhandle Health District.

There have been two deaths in North Idaho attributed to the flu so far this season, Hoyer said.

“Influenza positivity rates rose 18 percent over the last two weeks” and hospitalizations increased in North Idaho, said a joint news release issued by public health officials in Spokane and North Idaho.

In Spokane County, four deaths are attributed to flu this season, and 89 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed flu.

Health officials recommend that everyone be immunized against flu beginning at 6 months of age. The vaccine promotes antibody protection within two weeks.

Individuals who become ill are encouraged to consult a health care provider to determine the best place to go for a diagnosis, and it might not be the emergency room.

“Urgent care and express care facilities help to unclog emergency departments, which are meant for the sickest of the sick,” said Dr. David Chen, chief medical officer for MultiCare Deaconess and Valley hospitals in Washington, in the news release. “Patients should feel comfortable seeking treatment at urgent care facilities, which provide quality care close to home.”

Peg Currie, CEO at Providence Health Care in Spokane, said one of the main benefits of urgent care clinics is that they are easily accessible and often have short or no wait times.

“In addition, providers at these clinics will direct patients to an emergency department if necessary,” she said.

These clinics also offer flu vaccinations.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40 and 60 percent during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. Flu vaccination may also reduce flu illness severity, meaning that while someone who is vaccinated may still get infected, their illness may be milder.

Flu viruses spread when people with flu expel droplets from their mouths or noses while coughing, sneezing or talking. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and extreme fatigue.

When treatment is started within two days of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen fever and symptoms and shorten the time people are sick by about one day. They also may reduce the risk of complications.

Flu shots are also available at Panhandle Health Clinic, 8500 N. Atlas Road, Hayden.

To make an appointment, call 208-415-5270.

All medical insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare Part B are accepted. Most insurances cover the cost of flu shots. High-dose flu shots are available for those 65 and older.

Panhandle Health District offers flu vaccination for children, adults and seniors.

Health District personnel advise that in addition to your annual flu shot, you can protect yourself by washing your hands often and avoiding people with cold or flu symptoms. If you have flu symptoms, the health district advises you should stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others, and as always, cover your coughs and sneezes.