Whitman County sees first flu-related death of the season

COLFAX — The Whitman County Health Department sent out a health advisory, reporting the first flu-related death this season.

The health department encourages the public to protect themselves from the flu and flu-related complications.

The department states that people who have the flu may have symptoms including a fever usually higher than 101 degrees or chills, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, muscle or body aches, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, and some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, often more common in children.

Rare cases include sever symptoms of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, ongoing dizziness, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions, and severe weakness or muscle pain.

Those experiencing emergency symptoms are told to seek medical care right away.

The health department suggests to prevent the spread of the flu county residents get immunized, avoid close contact with sick people, stay home, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash their hands.