COEUR d’ALENE — Health officials want Idaho residents to realize that in the aftermath of two deaths already in North Idaho, influenza knows no boundaries.

“Certainly the first deaths of the [flu season] are noteworthy,” Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, coordinator of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Influenza Surveillance lab, told the Coeur d’Alene Press on Monday. “And it’s certainly tragic. But what is really important to understand right now is, we’re seeing flu increase statewide. It’s important to understand it can affect everybody.”

Health and Welfare reported Monday the state’s first two flu-related deaths happened in North Idaho. Neither representatives from Health and Welfare nor Panhandle Health would confirm the identities or hometowns, though Tengelsen confirmed the two women were both over 70 years old.

“Certainly, the flu can impact more vulnerabe populations like the elderly,” she said. “I think these two deaths point to the fact that the flu is here, and that people need to protect themselves.”

Tengelsen said all four prevalent viruses this year — two strains of Influenza A and two strains of Influenza B — are all manageable through this year’s flu shot vaccine.

“Nationwide and in Idaho, we’re seeing more of [a strain of] Influenza B called Influenza B Victoria,” she said. “That’s one we’re keeping special attention on, but all of them can be dangerous. All of them carry risk and can cause disease in people.”

The Centers for Disease Control issued a statement Dec. 11 warning of Victoria’s peculiar dangers, stating that particular strain doesn’t typically rear its head until the end of flu season.

Katherine Hoyer, public information officer for Panhandle Health, said the local health organization has administered approximately 1,800 flu shot. She said the vaccine, which lowers both the risk of contraction and the severity of the symptoms affiliated with the flu, can take as long as two weeks to kick in.

“As always,” Hoyer added, “stay home if you’re sick. Wash your hands thoroughly. Cover your cough. If you’re sick, stay home.”

Tingelsen added an additional precaution particularly relevant this time of year.

“With so many people traveling for the holidays, if you’re planning on heading to Grandma’s house — but you’re sick — maybe you stay home or stay away from Grandma this year. She’s part of population that’s particularly vulnerable to the flu.”