Yuma County reports Arizona’s first child death of flu season

(Shutterstock Photo/DonyaHHI)

By Robert Gundran

November 15, 2023

Children under six months, elderly adults, and people with underlying conditions are the most vulnerable to additional complications with the flu.

State health officials on Nov. 13 confirmed Arizona’s first child fatality due to influenza in this year’s flu season.

A child from Yuma County was the first reported death. Information on the date of the death and the age of the child were not immediately available.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the first pediatric influenza death in Arizona,” Diana Gomez, director of the Yuma County Public Health Services District, said in a press release. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the child’s family and friends.”

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In the 2022-23 flu season six Arizona children died of the flu, with 182 total across the US.

The Arizona Department of Health Services notes Oct. 1 as the first day of flu season, which typically runs through fall and winter.

The flu is a common illness that resurfaces yearly. State health officials said children under six months, elderly adults, and people with underlying conditions are the most vulnerable to additional complications.

The best way to lessen flu symptoms and possibly avoid it altogether is by getting an annual flu shot. Many insurance providers offer free annual vaccines at local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.

Maricopa and Pima counties offer free flu vaccines at immunization clinics with an appointment. Coconino County administers flu vaccines for $30.

Find the closest flu shot provider to you using vaccines.gov.

Author

Robert Gundran

Robert Gundran grew up in the Southwest, spending equal time in the Valley and Southern California throughout his life. He graduated from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 2018 and wrote for The Arizona Republic and The Orange County Register.

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