Sixth pediatric flu death reported in Massachusetts, according to state health data

REENA ROY, ABC NEWS, NEW YORK. MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT A SIXTH CHILD HAS DIED FROM THE FLU. IT COMES AS FLU ACTIVITY IS BACK ON THE RISE NATIONWIDE. HEALTH EXPERTS SAY THE UPTICK IS BEING DRIVEN BY AN INCREASE IN INFLUENZA B, NOT THE NEW SUBCLADE STRAIN THAT DOMINATED MUCH OF THE SEASON. CASES OF FLU B ARE RISING MOSTLY AMONG KIDS AGES 5 TO 17. EVEN IF YOU’VE ALREADY HAD THE FLU, YOU COULD CATCH IT AGAIN. IF IT’S A DIFFERENT STRAIN. STILL, THE VACCINE SHOULD OFFER PROTECTION FRO

A sixth child has died from influenza in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health.The pediatric death was included in data collected through Jan. 24 and published on the state health department’s influenza dashboard.Through that date, 187 adults have also died from flu-related issues.Despite a harsh flu season, influenza hospitalizations have dropped after a mid-December peak. To stave off another spike in sickness, health officials recommend re-adopting pandemic practices such as hand-washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing in crowded places for vulnerable individuals.

BOSTON —

A sixth child has died from influenza in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health.

The pediatric death was included in data collected through Jan. 24 and published on the state health department’s influenza dashboard.

Through that date, 187 adults have also died from flu-related issues.

Despite a harsh flu season, influenza hospitalizations have dropped after a mid-December peak.

To stave off another spike in sickness, health officials recommend re-adopting pandemic practices such as hand-washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing in crowded places for vulnerable individuals.