A boy between the ages of 6 and 10 is the city’s first flu-associated pediatric death of the season, the Houston Health Department (HHD) confirms. The child, who died in early February, had pre-existing health conditions that contributed to his death. No other information about the case will be released.
With flu activity remaining high, HHD encourages people 6-months and older to get vaccinated. Those 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications or death if they get the flu.
In addition to vaccination, people should help stop the spread of the flu and other illness by:
- Washing hands frequently
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Staying home if sick and until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, except to get medical care.
People can visit their doctor, pharmacy, local health department to get a flu shot. Many grocery stores also offer the vaccine. HHD offers flu shots at its health centers to people in high risk groups on a sliding scale basis that ranges from free to $15. To find the nearest health center, people can call 832-393-5427 or the City of Houston’s 311 information line. They can also go online to visit houstonhealth.org.
Symptoms of the flu may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. People with a combination of these symptoms should promptly see a medical provider.
While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one year to another. Flu outbreaks typically happen as early as October and can last as late as May.