Ohio reported the influenza-related death of a 16-year-old girl — the first pediatric flu-related death in the state of the current flu season.
The girl was from Cuyahoga County, and the county's board of health is investigating the death. There have been 27 pediatric flu deaths this season across the U.S., according to the latest CDC data.
In Ohio, there have been 1,003 flu-associated hospitalizations so far this season, compared to the 555 flu-related hospitalizations reported during the same time period last year.
"Getting the flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu for everyone 6 months and older," said Mark Hurst, MD, medical director of the Ohio Health Department. "If you are sick with the flu, stay home. Start the new year off right by helping to protect others when you are not feeling well."