Be aware: Child dies from influenza virus

The Mississippi Department of Heath urges people to get flu shot.  Photo by Alexandra Hedrick

The Mississippi Department of Heath urges people to get flu shot.
Photo by Alexandra Hedrick

The Mississippi Department of Health reported the first confirmed pediatric death due to influenza for the 2013-2014 flu season.

 

Liz Sharlot, ommunications director for the State Department of Health, said the child was from North Mississippi and had a chronic, underlying health condition.

 

Details on the child and the case are not available due to privacy laws, Sharlot said. The health department said pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals 18 years old and younger.

 

Sharlot said compared to this time last year, there has not been an increase in cases, but that those being affected most this year are people between 20 and 65 years old. She said usually those being affected are “the very young and very old.” It is the same age group that was being most affected by the H1NI influenza strain in 2009.

 

“H1NI strain is what we are seeing (this year), and it is covered in the vaccine,” Sharlot said.

 

She urges people eligible for the vaccine to get it as soon as possible because the vaccine takes time to build up immunity.

 

“If you do feel sick, stay home. If children are sick, keep them home,” Sharlot said.

 

She also said people should wash hands frequently, cover coughs and get a flu shot.

 

“Practice good hygiene and good nutrition and get the vaccine,” Sharlot said.

 

Flu vaccinations for adults and children are available for $30 at all county health department clinics and the high-dose flu vaccination for adults 65 and older is available for $55.

 

The pneumococcal vaccination is also available at county health departments for $83.

 

The seasonal flu vaccinations are recommended by the Mississippi Department of Health for anyone age six months and older. The department said among children, the vaccination is especially important for those younger than five years of age or any child with an underlying medical condition due to their higher risk for serious complications.

 

The Pearl River County Health Department is located on 7547 U.S. Highway 11 North in Carriere. The office can be reached at 601-798-612.

 

 

SportsPlus

News

Hunters, Harvest Needed to Help Deer

News

Pearl River County Hospital to Host DEA National Takeback Event

News

Picayune School District Recognizes Top-Scoring Students at Friday Night Football Game

News

Governor Reeves Approves Deployment of Law Enforcement to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene Response

News

Pearl River Central to Host First-Ever Community Pep Rally Ahead of Home Game

News

Annie Takes the Stage at Picayune Theatre

News

City of Poplarville to Replace Water Meters with Advanced Electronic Models

News

Local Man Arrested for Drug-Related Charges in Picayune

News

Picayune Police Host Annual National Night Out, Fostering Community Engagement

News

Picayune Police Department to Receive New Bloodhound for Investigative Use

News

Picayune City Council Proclaims October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Honors Local Author

News

Keesler Federal Bright Futures Program Provides Supplies to Over 20,000 Kindergartners

News

PRC Blue Devils Secure First Win Under Coach Feaster, Break 17-Game Losing Streak

News

Picayune Police Respond to Multiple Incidents

News

Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by Lexington, Miss. Police Department

News

Two Pearl River Men Face Federal Sentences in Separate Cases

News

Former Mississippi Chief Justice Edwin Lloyd Pittman Dies at 89

News

Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith Honor James Earl Jones

News

PRCSPCA Urgently Calls for Adoptions Amid Overcrowding Crisis

News

Pearl River County Fair Rodeo Draws Crowds with Thrilling Performances

News

Picayune School District Sees Improvement in School Grades, Implements New Programs

News

Picayune Falls to Gulfport 41-21, Coach Stogner Stresses Improvement

News

Crosby Arboretum Receives Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Award at Bug Fest

News

PMHS FOOTBALL SENIOR NIGHT 2024 GALLERY