The flu is continuing its deadly warpath, killing two teens in Maryland over the past month and a child in New York state last week.
The Nassau County Department of Health on Long Island, N.Y. said Monday that a medical examiner has attributed the death of a 9-year-old child to influenza. Conclusive laboratory test results are expected later this week. It was second flu-related death this year on Long Island. A 10-year-old Levittown child died last month.
Last week, health officials confirmed that two teenagers in Maryland died from the flu. Ian Willis, 13, of Urbana and Zachary Weiland, 15, of Woodbine were exhibiting the normal symptoms of the flu, when their conditions quickly worsened. In both cases, the boys were taken to the emergency room, but doctors were unable to save them.
It’s been a relatively mild flu season compared to previous years. The most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nine children have died from the flu this year. Eighty-four children died last flu season.
The flu kills about 30,000 people each year and hospitalizes about 200,000 people. The CDC recommends that every child between the ages of 2 and 18 get a flu shot, as well anyone over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Related: Not Too Late for a Flu Shot?
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