Flu has killed a child in Stanislaus County of California, according to State health officials. The death of the less than one-year-old is the first infant flu death of the season. Earlier, the officials announced the first adult flu death in Santa Clara County.

Dr. Karen Smith, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) State Public Health Officer, confirmed the death of the infant and said it is the time to take the flu seriously. The death has reminded that the influenza is capable of causing serious illness, and even can lead to death, Smith added.

It is always painful to see a loss of life due to flu, Smith said. According to Smith, as the state’s public health officer, he is saddened due to the loss of life. Smith further said, “It is especially troubling when a baby, too young to be vaccinated, passes away. To protect babies who cannot yet be vaccinated, we should get our flu shots. Preventing the spread of this often deadly disease is why getting vaccinated is so important”.

According to health experts, infants, who are less than a year of age, are increased risk of getting the flu. Children under the age of six months could not be vaccinated for the influenza, but there are many other ways to protect them. Pregnant women should also get vaccinated, they added. It not only protects the mother, but the newborn baby too. Young children should be vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading flu, the health experts advised.