Across the United States, Americans are coming down with potentially deadly strains of the flu this year, with at least twelve children who have already died after contracting the flu this season. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, "influenza activity" is increasing across the southern half of the US, with the deadliest, most dangerous cases attributed to the H3N2 strain. As the flu is a viral infection, antibiotic drugs are completely useless against it, and antiviral drugs only serve to make symptoms potentially milder or shorter. The CDC estimates about 5 million flu cases are prevented annually by receiving a flu-shot. Wochit
A 2-year-old Sumrall girl diagnosed with the flu has died, Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict said Monday.
The girl was diagnosed with the flu strain B a day or two earlier and was brought to a Hattiesburg hospital Sunday, where she was later died from complications, including pneumonia, Benedict said.
Related: Pine Belt bitten by the flu bug; officials estimate cases up 30 percent
According to a USA TODAY report, nationwide there have been 30 flu-related pediatric deaths reported to the Centers for Disease Control during the 2017-18 season as of Jan. 13, the most recent report available. None of those deaths was in Mississippi.
Related:30 children now dead from flu, CDC says
Neither the CDC nor the state health department tracks adult flu deaths.
This is a developing story and will be updated.