Two flu deaths reported in AK

ANCHORAGE (AP) — Two adult Alaskans died from the flu in the past week, according to state health officials.

The deaths are the first to be reported during Alaska's 2013-14 influenza season and the first since new rules requiring health care facilities to report adult flu deaths to the state took effect in late December.

Before, Alaska only tracked deaths among children. The state has not been notified of any child deaths so far this flu season.

“People think, ‘Oh it’s just the flu,’” said Dr. Brian Yablon, a state epidemiologist. “But flu actually is a common cause of death every winter. It’s...