The Panhandle has recorded its first flu-related death of a child in the current flu season. It’s the 3rd pediatric flu-related fatality in Nebraska and the 20th nationwide.
The Nebraska Dept of Health and Human Services reported the Panhandle death this week, but gave no information on the age or location of the fatality – other than it was in the Panhandle Public Health District service area.
The Panhandle’s flu case rate per 100,000 residents was the highest in the state for the week ending December 23rd.
PPHD Director Kim Engel says her agency joins everyone in sharing its “deepest condolences with the family in the loss of their loved one.”
Engel is urging everyone who hasn’t gotten a flu vaccination to do so as quickly as possible. Health officials nationally recommend that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated.
Engel says that while the flu can make anyone sick, some people are at greater risk for serious complications:
Those include young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. Vaccinations are also recommended for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Engel says PPHD and local agencies offering vaccinations, such as Western Community Health Resources, have free programs available for qualifying individuals of all ages.
She also offers some simple tips for avoiding or dealing with the flu including avoiding contact with people who are sick and staying home from work, family gatherings and social functions if you’re the one that’s sick
Another tip is covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve and not your hands when you cough