Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH) officials Thursday announced Riverside County’s first pediatric flu-related death of the season, which typically runs October through April.
“Such a loss is devastating and is a heartbreaking reminder that seasonal respiratory viruses can be life-threatening, even for otherwise healthy children,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said in a release.
According to health officials the death occurred in early March and was identified through death records. The western Riverside County teen was not believed to have any underlying health conditions, and a record of flu vaccination was not located.
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As of March 20, there have been 115 pediatric flu-associated deaths nationwide, including five in California. Approximately 85% of the reported pediatric deaths this season have been among children who were not fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most people who get the flu will recover in less than two weeks, but some will develop complications that can be life-threatening.
“These viruses can lead to serious complications for anyone, but especially for young children, older adults and those with underlying conditions. It’s important everyone knows the signs of when to seek emergency care,” Dr. Chevinsky said.
Health officials recommend people stay up to date on vaccinations and get tested when experiencing symptoms. More information can be found here on the RUHS-PH website.
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