Child from Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s first flu-related death this season

LANSING – A child from the Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s first pediatric flu-related death of the 2017-18 season.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the death on Feb. 7. The death is the first in Michigan but there have been more than 50 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported so far this season.

The 2017-18 season has seen some of the highest flu hospitalization rates ever recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MDHHS strongly recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine.

“It is not too late to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for MDHHS in a statement. “The vaccine is your best defense against the flu and will help reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the flu despite being vaccinated. And remember, if you or your child is sick, stay home to help protect others.”

READ MORE AT: http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/child_from_upper_peninsula_is.html

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