First influenza-related death of 2026-27 season reported in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said an Owyhee County man has died after influenza-related illness — the first flu death of the season in the state.

The man was older than 65, but an exact age was not given in a press release issued by the department.

Public health officials said in the release that while a flu season’s timing and length vary, emergency department and urgent care visits relating to influenza have been higher during the last two weeks than they were during this same time last year.

Idaho has averaged about 60 reported influenza-related deaths annually for the last five flu seasons, with most reported deaths among people over 50, according to Health and Welfare officials.

“The Department of Health and Welfare is reminding residents that flu can be very serious,” said Idaho Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathryn Turner. “Influenza activity is on the rise in Idaho and across the country, with the highest nationwide activity currently being seen in Western states.”

Annual flu shots can reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from flu, Turner said in the press release, and she encouraged Idahoans to consult their healthcare professional or pharmacist for information and recommendations about the annual influenza vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year’s vaccines are designed to protect against three different influenza viruses expected to circulate during the flu season.

“Regular hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick are also excellent ways Idahoans can reduce the spread of flu,” the press release said.

Turner encouraged Idahoans at higher risk for serious flu-related complications to take extra precautions. Those at higher risk include people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and anyone 65 or older.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Although most people who get the flu recover after a few days, some can have serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or death, the press release said.