After Teen Dies From Flu, Ohio Officials Urge Vaccination

BEREA, OH — Northeast Ohio high school student Kaylee Roberts is the first pediatric flu death of the 2019-2020 flu season. While her death is still being investigated, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) officials are urging Ohioans to get a flu vaccine.

“Getting the flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu for everyone 6 months and older,” said Dr. Mark Hurst, Medical Director at ODH. “Flu hospitalizations could still be on the rise. You need to protect yourself, your friends and your family and get a flu shot now if you haven’t already.”

Flu-activity in Ohio has been particularly bad this season. More than 1,000 people have already been hospitalized with flu-related symptoms this season, versus 555 last season. Flu activity typically peaks between December and February, meaning more flu-activity is expected.

The flu vaccine varies in performance, but Ohioans who get vaccinated are likely to have milder symptoms than un-vaccinated residents. Symptoms of the flu include fever, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, coughing, chills and more.

Flu vaccines are available at most doctors' offices, retail pharmacies and local health departments. There are not currently any flu vaccine shortages in Ohio.

If a resident does become sick with the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend doctors prescribe an antiviral drug to serve as a second line of defense.

“These antiviral medications can reduce the severity of the flu and prevent serious flu complications,” Dr. Hurst said. “They work best when started within two days of getting sick.”

If you begin showing signs of sickness, do not go to work. Try to remain isolated until the symptoms pass.

“If you are sick with the flu, stay home. Start the new year off right by helping to protect others when you are not feeling well,” Dr. Hurst said.

Ohio's First Pediatric Flu Death

Berea Midpark High School student Kaylee Roberts, 16, died on New Year's Eve, the school district announced. Officials have since announced that her death was due to suspected flu complications.

A GoFundMe has been created to help Kaylee's family pay for funeral costs. As of 1 p.m. on Saturday, the account had raised more than $13,000 for the funeral.

Here's what the family said about Kaylee on the GoFundMe:

"Kaylee Roberts died unexpectedly after a short illness at the age of 16. She was such a beautiful, caring, hardworking, and intelligent young lady. She had such an amazing kindness about her and cared so much for so many family and friends. Kaylee was an exceptional singer, animal lover, fashion trend setter, and a wonderful person and had a very bright future ahead. She was always concerned about everyone and how she could help, even in little ways because of her enormous heart and genuine personality."