Kentucky health officials are reporting the first pediatric flu death of the season. WNIN’s John Gibson reports:
The Kentucky Department for Public Health says a child in Kenton County died from influenza.
Officials say the child had not received this season’s flu vaccine.
Kentucky Health Secretary Dr. Steven Stack calls it “a heartbreaking reminder that the flu is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and people with high-risk medical conditions.”
The department says the vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza.
Health officials say the flu is increasing across the commonwealth especially among children younger than five.
They also encourage good health habits to prevent transmission of flu and other respiratory illnesses.
These include washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home from work or school when sick.