Idaho sees first flu death

An eagerness for community members to be inoculated against influenza has been evident this flu season.

Pharmacist Korey Kreider, who co-owns four local Medicine Man Pharmacies, said he calculates about 200 more flu shots have been administered at those four locations this season than were administered last year at this time.

Although prime time to receive a flu shot is Oct. 1 to the end of November, Kreider said it's never too late to get one.

"It's always good to protect yourself," he said.

On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported that a Gooding County man older than 65 was the first influenza-related death of the 2021-2022 flu season.

“The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is reminding residents that flu is here, and it can be very serious,” Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, Idaho influenza surveillance coordinator, stated in a news release.

Influenza activity had been detected in Idaho and across the country ahead of the holiday season.

"With both influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19 circulating this season, we are concerned that the risk to Idahoans for both infections will increase as families and friends gather for the holidays," Tengelsen said. "One important prevention measure to reduce serious respiratory illness for Idahoans is to get an annual influenza vaccine.”

Local pharmacies are experiencing high volumes of requests - but not necessarily flu or other vaccines.

"We're getting slammed with COVID tests," Kreider said.

He said COVID-19 boosters can be simultaneously administered, although some people might have a response that keeps them on the couch for a day or so.

"It doesn’t give you the flu,” he said. “It’s just making your body work so hard that it’s taking all that extra energy to build up your immune response. You’re going to sleep, you’re going to feel like garbage, but it’s going to make you stronger in the next two weeks."

Fluarix Quadrivalent influenza vaccine is the shot being used to prevent disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine. It's approved for use in persons aged 6 months and older.

Flu shots are covered by health insurance and available at area pharmacies.

"It's one of the cheapest, easiest ways to prevent getting sick," Medicine Man Prairie pharmacist Jason Head said.

A second flu wave usually arrives in February and March, Kreider said. That's why the prime time to receive a flu shot is in late fall.

"Your second wave around here, it can knock you on your butt," he added.