PHA confirms flu death

The Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that a child with confirmed flu infection, who attended a school for children with special needs, has sadly passed away. The PHA would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of this child. This death is a reminder that flu infection can cause serious complications, and indeed death, in those with certain underlying medical conditions.

Children who attend schools for those with severe learning difficulties should receive flu vaccine this year and we have written to their parents and to all GPs asking for them to be immunised as soon as possible. This year's vaccine protects against three strains of flu, including H1N1 flu. While there is no evidence at present that flu is circulating widely in the community it is impossible to predict when it will. We would advise all those who are eligible for flu immunisation to make sure they get it as soon as possible.