U.S. flu outbreak claims the life of another child, 12-year-old Dylan Winnick
The latest fatality attributed to the 2018 flu season is 12-year-old Dylan Winnick from Coral Springs, Florida. Dylan died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday. The normally healthy boy came down with a fever on Monday, January 22 and died the very next day, according to the BBC. More than 30 childhood deaths are now attributed to this year’s flu season.
Michael Medwin started a gofundme page for Dylan and was quoted by the BBC as saying that his stepson had no underlying health issues and had attended a birthday party just days before he died. “No way. We’re healthy. The kid’s playing soccer. He’s strong,” Medwin said.
Dylan was in the seventh grade at West Palm Beach Okeeheelee Middle School. He is the third Florida child to die from this year’s flu. Fox New reports that Florida’s Gulf Coast district schools in Gulf County, are closing to try and prevent any further spread of the flu. Officials say that that in Florida’s Gulf Coast district, 20 percent of the student population was out sick every day this week. The flu is now prevalent in all U.S. states except Hawaii; and schools in more than 12 states have closed because students, teachers and staff are down with the flu. Schools are reporting that they can’t get any substitute teachers in to cover because the subs are also sick with the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Officials say that the flu will still be prevalent this season for several more months and that it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
CDC’s Flu Prevention Tips:
- People who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications & get flu symptoms should be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible.
- Get vaccinated if you haven’t yet. There are still weeks of flu activity to come.
- Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
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~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today  /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
