Maricopa County health officials confirm pediatric flu death

PHOENIX - Maricopa County health officials say a child has died from the flu and it's the first pediatric influenza-related death in the county this year.

Last week, the state health department reported that flu is now widespread in Arizona.

"This is a very sad reminder how serious the flu can be, and why we all need to make sure we are vaccinated," said Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. "What protects us, our children and our loved ones, is not just the flu vaccine that we receive but the vaccinations of everyone around us. The more people who get vaccinated from the flu, the less chance they have of spreading it to others."

Public Health officials say the girl was diagnosed with the H1N1 strain of influenza A.

Last year, one child died from influenza in Maricopa County.

Symptoms of the flu from maricopa.gov:

Fever, body aches, sore throat, cough and extreme tiredness. It can cause mild to severe illness. Flu can result in hospitalization or death, especially for those at high risk of complications such as seniors, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Individuals should see a healthcare provider immediately if they experience high fevers lasting several days, getting better and then suddenly getting worse, difficulty breathing, and not being able to drink enough fluids. Antiviral medications may help if taken early in the illness.

MORE RESOURCES:

Flu vaccine locations - flushot.healthmap.org

Treatment, prevention, who's at risk - flu.gov