Worried About Flu and Kids? Here's Some Advice

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Apr 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM CST

Story Updated: Apr 30, 2009 at 10:28 AM CST

CHICAGO (AP) - The nation's first swine flu death, in a toddler in Texas, has many parents worried. But health experts say the death isn't unexpected, and they're advising just ordinary precautions.

Keep in mind that every year dozens of U.S. children die from seasonal flu; that's one reason annual flu shots are recommended for kids. So far this season, 55 children nationwide have died from regular flu.

Young children are most vulnerable to severe complications from seasonal flu. But most kids who get even the most aggressive flu strains don't die.

Dr. Mark Dworkin is an infectious disease specialist at University of Illinois at Chicago.

He says "nobody should be unduly worried," but everybody should be aware of what's going on and do things like covering coughs and washing hands often.

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