A 4-year-old Californian boy dies of a flu-related illness, officials say



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A 4-year-old boy in California recently passed away from a positive flu test, health officials said, adding that he had underlying health problems. Death marks the first death of the season associated with the pediatric flu in Riverside County, according to a press release.

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"We must never forget that the flu is still killing," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, head of public health for Riverside County. "I always recommend people get the flu shot every year, but a death so early in the flu season suggests that this year could be worse than usual. Our thoughts are with family and loved ones in mourning. "

Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness in patients. Serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Older patients, as well as young children or those with certain health problems are at high risk of developing serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend influenza vaccine to all people over 6 months of age for prevention.

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As of April 2019, a total of 186 pediatric deaths nationally had been reported to CDC during the 2017-2018 influenza season, which had broken the previous record of 171. About 80% of deaths occurred in children who had not yet received the influenza vaccine. .

Health officials did not say whether Perris' 4-year-old boy had been vaccinated against the flu before contracting the virus.

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