NORFOLK — Two preschool-aged children have died from the flu, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The children were four-year-old or younger, VDH spokesman Larry Hill confirmed.
The deaths were reported in the Eastern Region of Virginia. That region includes Hampton Roads, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore.
Due to medical privacy laws, the children’s ages and hometowns were not released.
The deaths were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hill said.
The health department has encouraged Virginians to get a flu shot to combat the illness.
“Flu is widespread in Virginia,” Hill said. “We continue to encourage a flu shot which is the best defense against the flu. Also, wash your hand frequently, cover your cough and sneeze and stay home when sick.”
