SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The cold and flu season has brought tragedy to Salt Lake County, with the deaths of two children and three adults older than 50 due to the flu. According to Nicholas Rupp of the Salt Lake County Health Department, none of the victims had received a flu vaccine, highlighting the potential risks of not being vaccinated.
Over the past two weeks, 353 people in Salt Lake County have been hospitalized with influenza, adding to a total of 706 hospitalizations due to the flu across Utah this season. This flu season is particularly challenging as three flu strains are actively circulating, which is unusual compared to previous years where there was typically one dominant strain.
The good news is that the three active strains are included in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine, providing a strong match with the circulating viruses. Health officials emphasize that it’s not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, as the season extends into May. Vaccination can significantly reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, potentially preventing hospitalization and complications.
People infected with influenza viruses are most contagious during the first three to four days of their illness, with infants and individuals with weakened immune systems possibly remaining contagious for longer than seven days. By getting vaccinated, individuals can minimize the impacts of the flu, experiencing milder symptoms and a shorter illness period.
As the flu season continues, health officials urge the public to consider getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the serious risks associated with the flu. With proper vaccination, the severity and duration of flu symptoms can be significantly reduced, potentially preventing hospitalization and more severe outcomes. It’s a tragic reminder of the importance of vaccination as a means of preventing the devastating impacts of the flu.