Teen Dies Of Flu In Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland (AP)-- A Howard County teenager has died of the flu in what health officials say is the ninth pediatric flu death nationally this year.

Unfortunately this is not the first flu case this year. Click to see more about these cases.

County health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson calls the death "tragic" and "highly unusual."

Health department spokeswoman Lisa de Hernandez says the victim died this week after becoming "ill with flu symptoms that got progressively worse." She says the federal patient privacy laws prohibit the county from releasing the teen's identity or any details of the case.

Beilenson notes that most people recover from influenza after a few days. He says getting a flu shot and practicing good hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of getting the flu.

Simple Preventive Steps:

-Hand washing. It's basic, but doctors say you should pay attention. Washing your hands often with soap and water can cut your chances of catching the flu in half.

-Keep away from people who are sick.

-Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

-Stop smoking