KOB Web Staff
Updated: January 09, 2020 04:21 PM
Created: January 09, 2020 04:19 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The New Mexico Department of Health reported the death of a one-year-old child on Thursday.
According to a press released, the child died from a flu-related illness.
The boy is the first child death related to the flu in the 2019-2020 season.
The state warns that the flu is still spreading in all regions, and peak activity has not been reached yet.
Health officials recommend that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated.
“The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza and given the fact that this season hasn’t peaked yet, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” said NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel.
In addition to getting vaccinated, NMDOH also recommends the following to help prevent catching or spreading influenza:
Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after contact with other people and before eating
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing, even if you use a tissue
Stay home if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms
Ask your doctor about antiviral medicines if you seek medical care for flu. These medicines are most effective if given within two days of your symptoms starting, but may still help even after two days
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