After First Child Flu Death, Officials Report 'High' Flu Severity

Flu-related illness over the last week has increased in Massachusetts, prompting health officials to bump the severity of the virus from moderate to high after the state suffered its first child flu-related death of the season.

The Department of Health reported the percentage of flu-like illness visits and hospitalizations also increased in Massachusetts, and is at a higher rate than the same time period over the past two years. Overall flu-related illness remains high, the DPH said.

Officials confirmed Thursday the first flu-related death of a child this season, saying a teen from Worcester County died. The victim's name and hometown were not released, but the DPH said the victim tested positive for influenza B.

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"I feel immense sorrow for the family of this child. This is a tragic reminder of how serious the flu can be for both children and adults,'' said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "Every flu season is different, but January and February are typically the height of flu season. We want people to know that it's not too late to get a flu shot."

Last year there were four flu-related child deaths reported in Massachusetts.

There have been thousands of Massachusetts residents hospitalized with the flu this season, along with 15,000 - 20,000 emergency room visits.

According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu is a highly contagious illness, which is why the CDC urges everyone to take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

• Take time to get a flu shot: While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. The CDC says it’s not too late to get this year’s vaccine.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as the flu.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.