LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — An 11-year-old from Lake County has died from the flu, becoming the county’s first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2019-20 flu season, according to news a release from the Lake County General Health District.
This is the second flu-related death in Ohio, with the first being a 16-year-old from Cuyahoga County.
“Getting the flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu for everyone 6 months and older,” said Tara Perkins, LCGHD Director of Nursing, in the news release. “Flu hospitalizations could still be on the rise. You need to protect yourself, your friends and your family and get a flu shot now if you haven’t already.”
As of Jan. 31, 2019, there were 68 pediatric deaths in the United States. As of Jan. 25, there have been 3,642 flu-associated hospitalizations reported in Ohio this season.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Flu vaccination is available at most healthcare provider offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies. There are no flu vaccine shortages across Ohio, according to the Lake Health District.
RELATED: Berea-Midpark junior who died unexpectedly is first pediatric flu-related death in Ohio this season
