ODH Reports Licking County Teen Dies from Flu

The Ohio Department of Health reports a 16-year-old boy from Licking County has died from the influenza virus.

This is the second confirmed pediatric death in the state this month.

Since last week, there have been 529 new confirmed influenza associated hospitalizations in Ohio. That brings the total to 985 since flu season began in October.

Ohio Department of Health Officials say getting the flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu.

Besides getting the vaccine, other effective ways to avoid getting and spreading the virus include frequently washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and staying home when sick.