Youth dies from the flu in Erie County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Erie County Health Department says a local youth has succumbed to the flu.

The youth passed away Monday night, becoming the first pediatric death attributed to the flu in Erie County. No other information about the youth has been released.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein is urging everyone to get immunized, especially the following groups:

• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu, including: people who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, morbid obesity, and chronic lung disease; pregnant or post-partum women or women who are breast feeding; and people 65 years and older,
• People who are immunosuppressed,
• People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications,
• Health care providers, and
• Young children, especially those under 2 years of age.

Learn how you can help prevent the spread of the flu here.