First child flu death reported

Milwaukee health officials reported the city’s first pediatric death of the current flu season Tuesday and urged those who are still unprotected to get vaccinated.

Both for the individual and for the medically vulnerable members of the community, “vaccination is still the best protection possible,” said Paul Biedrzycki, the Milwaukee Health Department’s director of disease control and environmental health.

Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, are important adjuncts to vaccinations, he said. They can reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

While there were no pediatric flu deaths last season, the severity of this season and the last are comparable, Biedrzycki said.

Last year, 361 flu-related hospitalizations were reported to the Health Department, Biedrzycki said. There have been 278 hospitalizations this season, which began earlier and is just now cresting. He expects this year’s season to last another four to six weeks.

Nationwide, 40 pediatric deaths have been reported, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Flu can be a serious illness,” Commissioner of Health Bevan Baker said.

“We urge all area residents to take steps to prevent the spread of flu in our community,” he said.

“Remember, even if you think you can beat the flu, you may spread it to others who are more vulnerable.”

Influenza, or the flu, is the most common respiratory illness in the United States, infecting millions and resulting in flu-related complications and death every year, the Health Department said.

The most vulnerable populations include infants, young children, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

Flu vaccine remains available through health care providers and pharmacies.

To find a nearby provider, use the vaccine flu finder at Milwaukee.gov/ health.