According to a health official, a 4-year-old Perris child is the first flu-related death in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (CAA) – A four-year-old boy, Perris, is the first infant-related childhood flu death in Riverside County, according to public health officials.

The child, who had a positive test for the flu, had "underlying health problems" and died in a medical facility outside the county, the health system announced. Riverside University, Public Health. Additional information on the child's health problems and the circumstances surrounding his death have not been published.

There were nine influenza-associated deaths in the 2018-19 season and 23 in 2017-18, according to RUHS.

Health officials urge people to get the flu shot as soon as possible. Dr. Cameron Kaiser, head of public health for Riverside County, said it was not too early to get a flu shot. He added that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people 6 years and older be vaccinated against the flu each year and that many providers already have this year's vaccine in stock.

"We should never forget that the flu is still killing," said Kaiser. "I always recommend people to get the flu shot every year, but a death so early in the flu season suggests that this year could be worse than usual. close to mourning. "

For more information on where flu shots are available in Riverside County, click here.