The Ingham County Health Department reports that in January, a child in the county died from seasonal influenza.
In a news release, Ingham County Health Official Linda Vail indicates that the child died in January, and seasonal flu was confirmed as the cause of death late last week. The age and specific location were not released due to privacy concerns.
So far, the seasonal flu has been reported as the cause of death in 168 pediatric cases around the country for the 2019-20 flu season. That’s the highest number in more than a decade.
The statement from the county health department says that social distancing related to the effort to fight COVID-19 has had a positive impact on influenza activity.
Vail says coronavirus prevention measures like frequent hand washing and avoiding people who are ill also prevent the spread of the flu. The annual flu vaccine also plays a role.