LANSING, MI – Well being officers confirmed Friday {that a} youngster died of influenza, marking the virus’s first pediatric loss of life of the 2023-24 flu season.The kid contracted Influenza A(H1N1), stated Michigan Division of Well being and Human Providers in a March 8 announcement. There have been 103 influenza-associated pediatric deaths throughout the nation this season, officers stated.“These are tragedies that no household ought to ever should endure,” stated Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the well being division’s chief medical govt. “Annually influenza claims the lives of dozens of youngsters throughout the USA.”Bagdasarian stated these deaths are why the division strongly recommends that everybody six months and older obtain a seasonal flu vaccine.“It’s the easiest way to guard your self and your loved ones from getting sick and reduces sickness severity if somebody does get the flu,” she stated.Combining grownup and pediatric instances, there have been between 20,000 and 57,000 deaths related to influenza since October, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. That’s amongst 28-51 million flu diseases throughout the identical timespan, officers stated.Michigan as a state is seeing a 6% enhance in influenza-like sickness in comparison with final week, in line with the well being division’s Michigan Flu Focus report. Solely a few quarter of Michigan residents have been vaccinated in opposition to the flu, officers stated, with youngsters under age 17 vaccinated at solely a few 19% charge.For these searching for flu vaccination, choices can be found by asking your well being care supplier, native well being division or visiting vaccines.gov. For extra details about the flu, go to michigan.gov/flu.Youngsters and pregnant individuals are beneficial to obtain the vaccine, officers stated. Suggestions for these at larger threat of growing critical flu problems could seek the advice of the CDC web site.