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2 Salt Lake Co. residents die from influenza

Posted at 1:18 PM, Jan 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-02 15:22:53-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- Two Salt Lake County residents have died from influenza, according to the Salt Lake County Health Department.

Officials said the deaths occurred in adults between the ages of 35 and 64, and they are the first confirmed flu-related deaths of the 2013-14 flu season in Utah.

“These deaths serve as a tragic reminder to all of us that influenza can be a serious disease for anyone,” Dr. Ilene Risk, County Epidemiologist, said in a press release. “I can’t stress strongly enough that everyone over the age of six months old should get a flu shot every year to prevent illness and to avoid passing the virus to others.”

According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, 150 people have been hospitalized in Salt Lake County due to the flu-- the vast majority of those caused by the H1N1 virus.

Officials said flu shots are still available at the Salt Lake County Health Department Public Health Centers. If you would like to make an appointment, call (385) 468-4152.