State reports first influenza death of season

The State Department of Health reported its first influenza death of the 2021-2022 season on Thursday.

State epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton said that flu activity in communities across the state is classified as local.  Along with the death reported, the state has also reported 89 lab-confirmed cases of flu and four flu-related hospitalizations in the past week.

Each year, an average of 39 deaths are reported to the state Department of Health following influenza infections. To protect against flu complications, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. 

Influenza, much like COVID-19, is a viral infection spread by respiratory droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include fever of 100 degrees or greater, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches, and runny or stuffy nose.

Other tips to prevent the spread of the flu is for people to wash their hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel, cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, and stay home when they are sick. 

To find participating locations offering flu vaccines in your community, click here. For more information and the latest resources visit flu.sd.gov.