Five people, including two children and three adults over the age of 50, died in Salt Lake County as a result of a severe flu outbreak.
Surprisingly, none of the fatalities had received a flu vaccination this season, prompting health officials to issue an alarming warning.
2 Salt Lake County children, and 3 adults over 50 have died from influenza during the current flu season:
2 Salt Lake County children, and 3 adults over 50 have died from influenza during the current flu season.
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— KSL (@KSLcom) January 9, 2024
3 Flu Types Lead to More Hospital Visits
This flu season has been particularly complex, with three separate flu strains active in circulation: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B (Victoria).
Unlike in regular seasons where one strain prevails, the simultaneous presence of many strains has resulted in an increase in hospitalizations, with over 350 cases reported since October.
Individuals over the age of 50 and children under the age of four are the most affected.
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Urgent Vaccination and Preventive Measures
The Salt Lake County Health Department strongly recommends the public to prioritize vaccination as the primary line of protection against the flu.
They emphasize that the current flu vaccine protects against all three active strains and significantly decreases illness severity.
Health experts highlight the need of regularly washing hands and remaining at home if you are sick with the flu, RSV, or COVID-19.
Vaccines for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are available by appointment at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and county immunization clinics.
However, specialized RSV vaccines are only available in certain age groups and localities.
Angela Dunn, from the health department, emphasizes the ease of administration and life-saving potential of immunizations, urging residents to prioritize protecting themselves and their families from chronic respiratory infections.