Although the flu season is coming to an end, the infection seems to be more dangerous than ever. A 15-year-old Howard County boy died of flu this week, the latest of nine pediatric flu deaths nationally this year.

 

County health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson, in a news release, characterized the death as “highly unusual,” given the fact that the teenager was a healthy, athletic boy.

 

“He came down with the flu, was seen within hours of that and died of severe complications of the flu,” Beilenson said.

 

The boy was identified as Zachary Weiland. He was a 10th-grade student at Mount Airy Christian Academy, where he was known as an athlete and as a fun of musical instruments. The family said his condition went from being conscious to being on a ventilator within only a six-hour period.

 

Following the tragedy, the parents of the school have all been notified, Beilenson said. As a precaution, students are given flu shots and are asked to seek medical help as soon as they experience any of the flu’s symptoms.

 

Last year, statistics showed that more than 80 children died from flu. Students are the most at risk as they live in a community and share things. That’s why getting the flu shot has to be a priority for their parents.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge everyone from kids to the elderly to have a flu shot, as it can prevent many of the flu’s complications.

 

People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, the very young and very old should be the first to be vaccinated in order to prevent casualties.