Murrieta Child Dies From Flu Complications

MURRIETA, CA -- A 10-year-old child from Murrieta is the first person to die from complications related to the flu. The death is the first flu-associated death of this flu season in Riverside County.

“This is a tragic reminder that the flu still kills,” said Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer. “Get your flu shot and get protected.”

The child’s vaccination status and whether there were any underlying health issues such as a compromised immune system are not known, officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone over 6 months should get a flu vaccine every year. However, a recent study found that this year's flu vaccine may be only 10 percent effective.

Kaiser also recommended frequent hand washing and avoiding getting close to people who are sick as ways to avoid the flu. And if you or your child are sick, stay home from work and school.

For more information on where flu shots are being offered throughout Riverside County, visit http://www.rivcoimm.org/.

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