Influenza claimed the first life of this flu season in South Dakota after officials confirmed a Corson County resident died from the disease.
While a light flu season so far, health officials say this serves as an important reminder of getting your flu shot.
Though the state Department of Health has tallied 215 reported influenza cases, the number of unreported cases is certainly higher. Officials say the disease most impacts people above the age of 65.
Dr. Joshua Clayton is the state epidemiologist.
“Influenza can be deadly," Clayton reminds. "Last year for the last flu season, we saw 48 South Dakotans die from influenza. Eighty-one percent of those individuals were aged 65 and older. We do see those rates of hospitalization and rates of death increasing in individuals who are 50 and older.”
He said while mid-season, you can still take steps to protect yourself and your family.
“The vaccine is effective at preventing a person from becoming ill," Clayton said. "If you happen to become ill, it’ll help prevent against being hospitalized. If you’re hospitalized it’s been shown to be effective against admission to the intensive care unit. In addition to that though, it’s important to recognize basic hygiene habits. Avoiding others who are sick, washing your hands often.”
Additionally, it’s not too late for anyone six months of age or older to get vaccinated.
“Even though we’re in the middle of December, and it does take about two weeks for the vaccine to kick in, if you get vaccinated now you will still be protected while you’re visiting friends and family over the holidays,” Clayton said.
Flu season runs from October through May.