The death of a five year old Genoa, Nebraska girl last week is a tragic example of the severity of this year's flu season. Nationally 30 children have died from flu related symptoms. Lily Kershaw is the first Nebraska child to die from the virus this season.
"Heaven gained a beautiful angel,” was writtend on Twin Rivers Kindergarten Facebook post after Lily's death last week. There have been 22 reported deaths overall statewide and hundreds of others have been hosptialized.
Boys Town National Research Hospital is experiencing an uptick in influenza cases in the clinics. So far this year 247 cases of the flu have been confirmed. This week alone officials say more than 117 patients have been treated for the flu
“If you haven’t gotten a flu shot for yourself or your child, it’s not too late,” said Dr. Jason Bruce, Pediatrician with Boys Town Pediatrics. “The flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee against getting the flu but it can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms if you become infected.”
State health officials were unsure if Lily had gotten a flu shot. Dr. Bruce urges parents to see their primary care physician right away if they or their child starts having symptoms. “We are urging parents to practice meticulous hand hygiene with their children and if their child is sick, keep them home to prevent the spread of influenza.”
Dr. Bruce still encourages people to get a flu shot. "Healthy individuals, ages 6 months and older, the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of getting the flu by 60%."