Fourth MI Child Dies from Flu

A fourth child has now died in Michigan this season from the flu.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says the latest victim is a 15–year–old from the central region of the state.

As many as six Michigan children die from the flu every year, but early indications are that this flu season will be one of the worst in at least a decade.

Dr. Terry Frankovich from the Western U.P. Health Department says the flu vaccine is the best defense for stopping the spread of the virus.

She says that while it is still possible to contract the flu after being vaccinated, your bout of the flu will be less severe than it would have been without the vaccine.

The Health Department says you should see your physician or local pharmacy to get a flu shot.

Visitor restrictions are now in effect at several U.P. hospitals because of the flu.

Dickinson Memorial Hospital’s OB unit and family birth center are restricting visitors.

Just as Portage Health and Marquette General have done recently, Dickinson Memorial is asking that you do not visit the hospital if you have cold or flu symptoms.