The first influenza-related pediatric death of this flu season in the state has been confirmed, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Thursday.The victim, a teenager, lived in Worcester County and tested positive for influenza B, health officials said.Last season, there were four confirmed flu-related deaths in Massachusetts of individuals under the age of 18, health officials said.As of Jan. 11, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported a total of 39 influenza-associated pediatric deaths this flu season nationwide.The DPH continues to urge people who have not received a flu shot to get vaccinated.People who think they may have the flu should call their health care provider for guidance and possible treatment. This is particularly important for people with pre-existing health conditions that may make them more susceptible to serious illness when they get the flu, health officials said."I feel immense sorrow for the family of this child. This is a tragic reminder of how serious the flu can be for both children and adults,'' said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "Every flu season is different, but January and February are typically the height of flu season. We want people to know that it's not too late to get a flu shot."This season, between 2,000 to 3,000 Massachusetts residents have been hospitalized with the flu and there have been 15,000 to 20,000 emergency room visits.The most common symptoms of flu are fever, cough and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired. Some people, especially young children, may also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.

The first influenza-related pediatric death of this flu season in the state has been confirmed, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Thursday.

The victim, a teenager, lived in Worcester County and tested positive for influenza B, health officials said.


Last season, there were four confirmed flu-related deaths in Massachusetts of individuals under the age of 18, health officials said.

As of Jan. 11, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported a total of 39 influenza-associated pediatric deaths this flu season nationwide.

The DPH continues to urge people who have not received a flu shot to get vaccinated.

People who think they may have the flu should call their health care provider for guidance and possible treatment. This is particularly important for people with pre-existing health conditions that may make them more susceptible to serious illness when they get the flu, health officials said.

"I feel immense sorrow for the family of this child. This is a tragic reminder of how serious the flu can be for both children and adults,'' said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "Every flu season is different, but January and February are typically the height of flu season. We want people to know that it's not too late to get a flu shot."

This season, between 2,000 to 3,000 Massachusetts residents have been hospitalized with the flu and there have been 15,000 to 20,000 emergency room visits.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, cough and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired. Some people, especially young children, may also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.