PIERRE, S.D.(KMIT)- South Dakota reported its first flu death of the 2023-24 season last week.  It was a Minnehaha County resident in the 80-89 year age group.  An average of 35 flu-related deaths are reported in South Dakota each year.  South Dakota Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says there are many ways people can stave off the flu.

She says there are signs to differentiate between a common cold and influenza.

There have been 32 lab-confirmed flu cases and three hospitalizations so far this year in South Dakota.  The peak flu season in South Dakota is the end of December through February.