BOISE — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has reported the state's first deaths related to the flu.
The agency on Friday said three people have died, one in eastern Idaho, one in south-central Idaho and one in southwest Idaho. The names were not released.
"Flu activity is still on the rise in Idaho and the nation," Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist, said in a statement. "It's important to remember that it's never too late to get a flu shot."
Twelve flu-related deaths were reported in Idaho last year. The average age of those was 79, said Tom Shanahan, Health and Welfare spokesman.
The three who died this year, he said, were in their 40s or slightly older.
Hahn said people should be alert for flu symptoms, which include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches and nasal congestion.