CLEVELAND — A 13-year-old Cleveland girl has died from the flu, the first such pediatric case in Northeast Ohio, according to the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
The teen's death is the second pediatric fatal flu-related case in the state for the 2018-2019 season, health officials said. Authorities didn't provide any additional information regarding the girl's death.
In Cleveland, 11 adults have died this season, and nearly 250 people have been hospitalized for flu-associated illnesses, officials said.
According to CDPH, flu symptoms can include the following:
· fever
· cough
· sore throat
· body aches
· headache
· chills
· fatigue
Health officials say the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot vaccination.
Flu shots are available at the J. Glen Smith Heath Center, located at 11100 St. Clair Ave. and at the Thomas McCafferty Heath Center, 4242 Lorain Road. You can also call CDPH at 216-664-4621 for more information.
CDPH advises residents to avoid people who are sick, stay home when feeling ill and make sure to frequently wash hands or use a hand sanitizer that is alcohol-based. If you are ill, you should cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the illness from spreading, health officials said.
The typical flu season starts in October and can go until May, but it usually spikes during December to February, according to CDPH.
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