First Pediatric Flu Death Reported in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health is reporting the state’s first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2018-19 flu season, a 3-year-old boy from Highland County. The Highland County Health Department is investigating the death.

Flu activity traditionally begins to increase in October and can last as late as May, with cases typically peaking between December and February. There have been 1,832 flu-associated hospitalizations reported in Ohio so far this flu season – significantly fewer than the 8,611 reported during the same timeframe last year. During the 2017-18 flu season, Ohio reported six flu-associated pediatric deaths.

“It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Getting the flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu for everyone 6 months and older,” said Sietske de Fijter, state epidemiologist and chief of the ODH Bureau of Infectious Diseases. “If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others,” de Fijter said.

Symptoms of flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Flu vaccination is available at most healthcare providers’ offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies. There are no flu vaccine shortages across Ohio at this time.