20 children have died this flu season

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- There have been 20 children who have died across the country due to the flu. Three of which have been from Ohio.

Medical Director Dr. Vicki Whitacre said there are several things that can be done to protect children from getting the flu. She said getting the flu vaccine helps and if they get the disease to go to the doctors to be given the antivirals as soon as possible.

“Everybody from the age of 6 months and above should have the flu shot. It does help them, it helps prevent hospitalizations. They feel getting flu vaccines reduces hospitalizations by 50 percent. It gives you some protection. Maybe, not all the protection we would like this year since the guess wasn’t quite as good with the vaccine, but it does help to have your flu shot,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Dr. Whitacre said they still have plenty of flu shots to give and if you don’t have one you should get one immediately. This year is record breaking for the number of flu hospitalizations.

“I just heard from O.D.H. (Ohio Department of Health) that the highest ever hospitalizations we’ve ever had. And that’s ever had. They are hoping it will slow down, but I’m looking for it to go, as long as we have a real cold spell, for it to keep on going (up) because the flu likes the cold,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, and fatigue. Dr. Whitacre also said if you are over the age of 65 to talk to your doctor immediately if you start to show any flu symptoms.