KENTUCKY — Health officials have reported that the state of Kentucky has had its first child flu death this season.
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The Kentucky Department for Public Health announced the death on Friday, Feb.7.
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“Influenza is on the rise across Kentucky,” Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said. “Unfortunately, viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases that can be deadly to some people, including children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness and death.”
The department said the child did not get this season’s flu vaccine.
This is not the first child in Kentucky that has died from a respiratory illness this season.
In January, the department announced that a child died from COVID-19.
The department said hospitals and emergency departments are seeing a rise in flu-related visits.
Less than 17% of children in Kentucky have gotten their flu shot this year. Only 2% have gotten an updated COVID-19 shot, according to the department.
Most flu and COVID-19 infections result in mild illness, but serious symptoms will require medical attention, according to the department.
Some of the serious symptoms include fast breathing, bluish lips or face, seizures, high fever, dehydration and worsening of medical conditions.
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