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Colorado reports first child death from influenza

Posted at 5:47 PM, Jan 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-15 20:09:50-05

COLORADO – State officials are reporting the first childhood death from the flu in the 2018-2019 season. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the child tested positive for the H1N1 strain of the flu and passed away on January 12th.

The child has not been identified and the CDPHE says the child died in the Metro area. The highest amount of flu cases that required hospitalization have occurred in children aged 4 and under. The second highest number of people affected this season are 65 or older.

Roughly 16-children nationwide have died from influenza so far this season. Getting your flu shot is highly suggested and the vaccine does include the H1N1 strain, which is the predominant strain. The vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age and up.