It's only the beginning of November and we've already had the first flu-related death in the state. 

Last year the number of people who died from the flu skyrocketed. We had over 100 deaths last year according to KTVB when the normal average is 25 deaths.

The Idaho woman who has passed away from flu this year is described as over 50 and from Northern Idaho.

Studies show that 5 % to 20% of people catch the flu each season and for a few people it, unfortunately, leads to death. Another great reminder to get your flu shot!

This year's flu shot will protect you against three of four strains of the flu. It's not a surefire way to not catch the flu, but it decreases your risk significantly.

I'm going to stand on my soap-box for just a minute and point out that there is a difference between the common cold, a virus, and the flu. When someone gets the flu it's pretty undeniable. I watched my ex-husband go through the flu about four years ago. His temperature skyrocketed. He actually got a little delirious and disoriented. I've never seen someone so sick. He literally could not function. That being said, the symptoms can be somewhat confusing. They include...

  • fever
  • sore throat
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • body aches
  • headaches
  • chills
  • fatigue

Of course, the people who are at the greatest risk are children, those over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

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