Two children have died of the flu in the past 30 days in Salt Lake County. That’s in addition to three people over the age of 50 who have also died, according to the Salt Lake County Health Department.
None of the people who died had any record of receiving an annual flu shot this season, officials noted.
“These deaths are a tragic reminder that influenza is a serious disease,” said Angela Dunn, executive director of the county health department. “Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year to prevent serious illness and death, and to avoid getting others sick.”
The county released no further information about the five people who died, citing medical privacy laws.
Since Oct. 1, more than 350 people have been hospitalized locally with the flu. Most were over the age of 50, officials said. The second-biggest group hospitalized was children under the age of 4.
In Utah, flu season can begin as early as October and continue into May. Cases commonly peak in January or February.
An ‘unusual’ flu season
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Dr. Angela Dunn, executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, speaks during a news conference on Monday, May 23, 2022. Since Oct. 1, 2023, more than 350 people have been hospitalized with the flu in Salt Lake County.
The current flu season is considered “slightly unusual,” because there are three strains actively circulating, said epidemiologist Ryan Chatelain, with the county health department. “Typically, we see one strain responsible for most cases through the season’s peak, and a few early or late cases due to other strains.”
The three strains currently circulating are Influenza A (H1N1); Influenza A (H3N2); and Influenza B (Victoria), according to the county health department.
All three are included in the 2023–24 flu season vaccine. The vaccine helps prevent illness, and during breakthrough cases, it can help lessen the severity and duration of illness.
“This year’s seasonal flu vaccine is well-matched to the virus strains we’re seeing in circulation,” Dunn said in a statement. “Vaccination is the best defense against being hospitalized or dying from the flu.”
People are also encouraged to wash their hands regularly and stay home from work or school if sick to help stop the spread of infection.
How to get vaccinated
The county health department advised that RSV and COVID are also causing serious illness right now.
Vaccines are available for both. The county health department encourages people to get vaccinated for flu, RSV and COVID — “not only to protect themselves, but also to protect loved ones who may be more susceptible to serious complications from a respiratory illness.”
Flu and COVID vaccines are available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and Salt Lake County immunization clinics. Call 385-468-7468 (SHOT) to make an appointment.
The RSV vaccine — which is only available to people over 60, under 8 months, or people who are pregnant — is also available at pharmacies and health care providers.
“Getting vaccinated is easy,” Dunn said, “and it saves lives.”
