Why It Matters
Idaho has reported its second influenza death of the 2026-27 flu season as health officials say flu activity is beginning earlier than usual. Recent flu-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care clinics have exceeded the level recorded during the same period last year.
What Happened
Central District Health announced that the latest death was an Elmore County resident in their 80s. Idaho’s first reported influenza death this season involved an Owyhee County man older than 65.
Influenza can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Complications from the virus can lead to hospitalization or death.
By the Numbers
- Idaho has recorded two influenza deaths in the 2026-27 season.
- The state has averaged about 60 influenza-related deaths annually across the past five flu seasons.
- Most reported influenza deaths have involved Idahoans older than 50.
- This year’s flu vaccines are designed to protect against three influenza viruses.
Who Faces Greater Risk
Dr. Jaime Butler-Dawson said that although many people recover without serious illness, some people face a substantially greater chance of complications. “Some groups are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” Butler-Dawson said.
Those groups include adults 65 and older, pregnant people, young children, people with obesity, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. The listed conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and kidney disease.
What’s Next
Health officials said vaccination can lower the risk of severe influenza illness. Idaho residents who develop flu symptoms should be aware that the virus can become more dangerous for people in higher-risk age groups and those with underlying health conditions.
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