BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Health Department is continuing to warn people about the dangers of influenza with five deaths primarily attributed to the disease so far this season, including the first child flu death in 16 years.
Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says any death from illness is tragic, but the loss of a child is particularly heart-breaking. Officials did not release the age, gender or hometown of the child who died.
Levine says flu season tends to peak around now.
The health department encourages people over age 6 months to get the flu vaccine and people who are sick should stay home until they have recovered. To avoid spreading the flu, people should cover their mouths when they cough and wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
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This story has been corrected to show the last child flu death in Vermont was 16 years ago, not six years ago.
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