Pinal County reports 1st confirmed pediatric flu death this season in Arizona
PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. - Health officials in Pinal County confirmed on Jan. 10 the first case of pediatric flu that resulted in death.
Per a statement, the death is the first of its kind for Arizona this year. The child is described as "young."
"In order to protect their privacy, we will not be releasing any further information about the child," said Pinal County Public Health Services District Health Director Merissa Mendoza.
Pinal County health officials also say that since the start of this flu season, 2,794 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported in Pinal County. For Arizona as a whole, the number is above 30,000.
What can people do to protect themselves from the flu?
Flu virus, as seen under a microscope. (Photo by: CAVALLINI JAMES/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Per the statement from Pinal County, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The vaccine provides protection from hospitalization and death even if you get the flu. It is important to get the vaccine as soon as possible because it takes your immune system 2 weeks to build defense against the flu," read a portion of the statement.
Other protection tips from health officials include:
- Avoid touching your mouth and nose
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cover your cough in your sleeve
- Stay home when you are sick