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After two Virginia children died from the flu, the Virginia Department of Health is sounding the alarm.
The VDH said the two children who died were in the 5-12 and 13-17 age range.
They lived in the Eastern and Central Regions of Virginia.
Lisa Sollot, Respiratory Disease Program Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health said flu season started in October and it’s not expected to wrap up until April.
“Really right now we’re in what we consider to be the middle of flu season and since activity is still increasing I would say we have not yet reached the peak. It is possible to also have two peaks,” Sollot said.
Sollot said vaccination is key, in addition to staying home when sick, getting tested, and thoroughly washing your hands.
“The future of the season is in our hands, literally, we can keep them clean, we can wash them, we can decide what we do with our day and we can pick healthy habits that will encourage health for us and encourage health for those around us,” Sollot said.
According to Sollot, only about 30 percent of Virginians have gotten their flu shot this season.
She said they have seen a recent increase in flu cases at urgent cares.
Anyone with pre-existing conditions, adults over 65, and children need to be especially careful because they are most at risk.
Sollot said it takes the flu shot about two weeks to reach full effectiveness.
With a few months left in the season, Sollot said there’s still time to get vaccinated and make it count.