A third child in Massachusetts has died from flu-related illness, according to the state Department of Health.
DPH says the child was a female from Middlesex County. No additional information was released.
A 12-year-old boy from Milford died last month from flu-related illness and a four-year-old girl in Framingham died a few days later.
Last year, DPH says there was one flu-related pediatric death in Massachusetts.
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DPH says so far, this year's flu season has mirrored last year's in that activity has been widespread and severe.
While officials say reports of both influenza-like illness and flu-related hospitalizations have leveled off in the last few weeks, peak flu activity typically lasts through March.
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"January and February are typically the height of the flu season, and flu-related complications can result in very serious, life-threatening illness and even death, among both children and adults," said Dr. Larry Madoff, director of epidemiology and immunization in the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Madoff said the deaths are devastating, but also warned about the importance of vaccinations and keeping your hands clean.
"These deaths are tragic and are a reminder of the dangers of flu and the importance of flu vaccination, our best protection against illness. The Department of Public Health urges people to get vaccinated, to wash their hands, cover their cough and sneeze and stay home when sick to limit the spread of disease."
Dr. Ari Cohen from the Massachusetts General Hospital said it's heartwrenching to hear about another child death from the flu this season, but said this flu season isn't actually worse than last year's, despite the higher death rate in Massachusetts.
Overall, he said the numbers are down nationally, but said it doesn't mean anyone is in the clear yet.
"I think, in reality, it's not significantly worse than last year," Cohen said. "The volume is very high with flu-related visits."
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Cohen said there's still a few more weeks of flu season, and parents should know that not all flu tests are 100 percent.
"Just because you have a negative flu test shouldn't reassure you that your child can't get sicker," Cohen said.
He said even after a negative flu test, you should keep a close eye on your child to see if symptoms get worse.
Cohen said if symptoms do worsen, your child should see a doctor right away.