MDH: Flu Season Has Peaked, Child Death Reported

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A child in Minnesota has died after getting the flu. It's the first pediatric death due to influenza in the state this season.

The Minnesota Department of Health says 715 people have been hospitalized with the flu so far this season.

A new MDH report released Thursday shows the number of flu-related cases at outpatient clinics hit a high for the week ending Feb. 4, with 4.7 percent of patients at Minnesota clinics presenting influenza like illnesses. That's well above the national average of 3.9 percent.

"We're definitely at peak activity right now and things increased pretty much across the board," epidemiologist Karen Martin said.

The flu claimed its first child victim last week. Martin says it's likely flu activity will stay high for the next few weeks.

Still, it's not too late to get a flu shot.

"There is still vaccine available, so all you need to do is contact your health care provider to see if they have it," Martin said.

Aside from protecting yourself with the vaccine, it's important people who are sick stay home.

"We all have busy jobs and it's hard to keep your kids home from school when they're sick, but it's a really important factor in preventing the spread of influenza," Martin said.

Health officials say that even though flu cases have gone up it could still be a while before they taper off.

The flu season can last into May, sometimes beyond.