This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
An older person who had not received a seasonal flu vaccination has died, Salt Lake County's first flu-related fatality of the winter, the county Health Department said Monday.
"This is a tragic reminder that influenza is a serious disease — but one that is largely preventable," said Ilene Risk, the department's epidemiology bureau manager, of the death of a person identified only as being over age 65.
"Everyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot every year to prevent illness and to avoid making others ill," Risk added, noting that the number of flu cases in the county has picked up in January after a slow start to winter.
Since Oct. 1, she said, 36 people have been hospitalized because of the flu. Most were 50 or older.
"Vaccination is the best defense against getting ill," Risk advised. "This year's seasonal flu vaccine is well matched to the virus strains we're seeing in circulation."
Flu season typically peaks in Utah in late January and early February but may last until May, she said.
Mike Gorrell —
Flu vaccinations
Vaccinations are available by appointment at Salt Lake County Public Health Centers (http://www.slcohealth.org or 385-468-7468) as well as many pharmacies and doctors' offices.