First South Dakota influenza death of the season reported
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The South Dakota Department of Health is reporting the first influenza death of the 2023-2024 season, a Minnehaha County resident in the 80-89 age group.
State epidemiologist Joshua Clayton says Influenza can be a very serious illness. He says taking preventative measures like regularly washing hands, covering your cough, and getting vaccinated against flu will protect you and your family.
Clayton notes it is still early in the flu season with only 32 lab-confirmed flu cases and three hospitalizations reported.
An average of 35 South Dakotan deaths are reported each year from the flu.
Yearly flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age six months and older.
November 10, 2023
