A child died of the flu in Pinal County, according to the Pinal County Public Health Services District. It’s the first flu death of the season in Arizona.
The district noted that both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus contribute to child deaths.
“Unfortunately, this dire situation is a reminder that influenza can cause serious illness and death,” said Dr. Tascha Spears, District Health Officer. “My deepest condolences to this child’s family.”
The district said the flu season started earlier than usual this year. Hospitals have already been hit hard by the number of cases in the emergency room. Pinal County has 172 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, and statewide he has 4,552 reported cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recommends that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu. This can prevent hospitalization and death. It takes two weeks for your immune system to build defenses against the flu, so it’s important to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
The general public can also protect themselves and others from influenza by taking the following precautions:
Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following:
- You have a fever or feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu has a fever).
- cough.
- sore throat.
- runny or stuffy nose;
- muscle and body pain.
- headache.
- Malaise.
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).
Not only is there an epidemic of influenza across the United States, including Pinal County, but RSV and COVID-19 are on the rise. All three of these respiratory diseases have similar signs and symptoms.
People who may have the flu or other respiratory illness and are at high risk for complications are advised to contact their health care provider. Useful if taken.
There is no vaccine for RSV, but if you would like a flu shot or other vaccination, call the Pinal County Public Health Department at 1-866-960-0633 or vaccine.gov The location of the nearest vaccine provider.
