COLUMBUS – A three-year-old Columbus boy is the first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2018-19 flu season in central Ohio, health officials reported Thursday.
This is the fourth flu-associated pediatric death in Ohio. Adult deaths are not reported.
Because the child was a resident of Columbus, Columbus Public Health is investigating the illness and death.
Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health say flu activity has increased over the last few weeks and they are encouraging anyone six months of age and older to get a flu shot if they haven’t already gotten one.
Flu shots are available at Columbus Public Health and FrankIin County Public Health, as well as healthcare providers and retail pharmacy outlets.
In addition to the vaccine, health experts say you can help prevent the flu by washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home if you are sick.
Symptoms of flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.