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One CHILD died and 18 others were admitted to Westmead Children's Hospital for the flu.
It is the first death this year of influenza A, an acute respiratory disease caused by a virus.
The child was under five years old and was not vaccinated. Health authorities respect the privacy of the family and will not disclose any other details about the death.
Remaining hospitalizations at the West Sydney Hospital ranged from one month to seven years.
The devastating news has NSW Health has once again urged parents to vaccinate their children.
Health official Kerry Chant said 15 children were eligible for the free flu shot, given in two doses for the first influenza vaccination
. Fifteen of the children were eligible for the free flu shot, but only two of them had been fully immunized against influenza, "said Dr. Chant.
Nearly all influenza cases confirmed last week contracted A flu pandemic in which more than 650 people died from flu-related complications
And, 74 of these 256 cases originated from the local health district of Western Sydney, the highest in all of the world. status of 36.
Ahead Of the 103,000 cases of influenza reported last year, the virus peaked in August with 48,600 cases reported.
Confirmed cases are people who come to medical centers or hospitals and represent only part of the disease.Experts believe that the flu season started later than usual this year.
The state government has launched this year a free flu vaccination program for children under five.
The government spends $ 22.75 million on flu prevention programs this season, including $ 3.5 million for free flu shots for children up to age five and up to $ 1.75. $
There are three types of influenza viruses – A, B and C – A are more serious than others and is the only type known to cause widespread epidemics.
The virus is constantly changing with a new virus. stump coming out every winter. People who get the flu usually recover within a week by resting, taking mild pain medications, drinking plenty of fluids, eating light foods, but in some cases the flu can be serious and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia
Among those likely to be affected are young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and people with chronic health conditions.
Dr. Chant said that the death reminded parents who had not yet vaccinated their children. "The number of influenza cases across the state is starting to increase and influenza A, which strikes mostly children and young adults, is the main strain that is circulating in the community.
Dr. Chant said that there were plenty of supplies to vaccinate children under five years of age
"Just call your GP to check that they've got it in stock or give them time to order more vaccines "
The influenza vaccine is also free for pregnant women, Aboriginal women, aged 65 or older, or suffering from health problems such as severe asthma , diabetes and heart problems.
"Vaccination is the best protection against the flu. Help prevent spread by coughing and sneezing in your elbow, washing your hands regularly and staying home when you are sick. "
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