The southwest Utah Public Health Department has confirmed that three flu-related deaths occurred in southwest Utah during the past two weeks. All were under the age of 65.
The three deaths are the first flu deaths reported in the area for the 2013-14 flu season. By comparison, one death was reported last season for the five county area. Dave Heaton works for the Department, and said people should be vaccinated.
"The southwest Utah public health department is urging people to get vaccinated if they haven't already. This year's vaccine includes protection against H1N1 flu and is still available at your local healthcare provider or your nearest health department office," he said.
The Centers for Disease Control is reporting widespread flu activity throughout the United States. Most cases are H1N1 and more than 60 percent of hospitalizations involve people under 65, a pattern similar to the 2009 pandemic.