A teenager from Allen County, Ohio, has died from the flu, marking the first pediatric death of the 2024-2025 flu season. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the fatality highlights the severity of the virus, despite its commonality.
Ohio’s flu activity is on the rise, with more than 9,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported so far this season. The state’s current activity level is considered very high. Typically, one to six pediatric deaths are reported each year in Ohio.
To protect themselves and their loved ones, parents are urged to get a flu vaccine, maintain good hand hygiene, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Flu vaccines are available at various healthcare providers’ offices, local health departments, and retail pharmacies.
As the peak flu season period (December to February) approaches, health officials remind individuals to prioritize prevention measures. For more information on flu activity in Ohio, visit www.flu.ohio.gov.
Source: https://www.13abc.com/2025/02/21/ohio-teen-dies-flu-first-pediatric-death-year