Officials plead Minnesotans to vaccinate their kids this flu season due to last year's flu-related hospitalizations and fatalities.
The Star Tribune reports there's new data showing the flu caused the most hospitalizations and deaths than any other flu season in recent history last year, and officials are pleading Minnesotans to vaccinate their kids this year.
Over 6,400 people were hospitalized and five children passed away from the flu or related illnesses last year, says the Star Tribune.
Kris Ehresmann, director o f the Minnesota Department of Health's infectious disease division told the newspaper: "Since children can't make the decision to get vaccinated themselves, it's up to parents and health care providers to make it happen."
According to the CDC, flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle or body aches, and runny or stuffy nose, among other potential symptoms. They say children and elderly people are most at risk to get the flu, although anyone can pick it up.
Photo: Getty Images/Karl Tapales
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