Flu deaths

Flu deaths

A third child has died from the flu this season in Hamilton County.

Health officials say this year's strain is harder on children.

Season in hamilton county.

News 12's robyn estabrook explains why some age groups are more vulnerable than others.

At the chattanooga- hamilton county health department, they've seen changes compared to previous years when it comes to the flu.

Sharon goforth/ chattanooga- hamilton county health department "we have seemed to start our peak a little earlier this year in december.

We normally don't see that until january or february.

So the peak cam a little bit sooner and we are seeing more pediatric cases.

With the strain that has been most prevalent, it is one of the b strains and those seem to afffect children more often.

So that has been a bit unusal for this year also."

This flu season in hamilton county, there has now been three flu deaths involving children.

Health experts say there is automatically a concern about age groups.

"the lower end of the spectrum are children we get concerned about because their immune systems are just not that mature and our older adults our 65 and older age group.

Plus anyone who has any underlying medical condition, heart condition, lung condition diebetics."

"in addition to getting the flu shot health experts say there are other ways you can stay safe, like washing your hands."

They also want to remind people to use sanitzer and tissues if they are coughing and sneezing.

"eventhough we see most of our flu activity during our cold winter months you can get flu anytime of the year.

So you still have to be mindful of the fact that you could still be exposed if you are around someone who is exhibiting those flu like symptoms."

It's not too late to get the flu vaccine.

Right now, this health department is offering them for free.

In hamilton county, robyn estabrook, news 12 now.

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