Tragedy has struck again in Ohio, as the Ohio Department of Health announced Friday the first pediatric death of the 2023-24 flu season — a 9-year-old girl from Clermont County. It is a sad reminder that age is not the only determining factor for when these viruses become deadly.

In fact, the Buckeye State generally reports one to six influenza-associated pediatric deaths per year, according to the ODH.

“If you haven’t gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. “We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease.”

Though there have been more than 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported so far this season in Ohio, that figure is actually below the five-year average for this point in the season. That should not make anyone feel less urgency about protecting themselves and loved ones.

In addition to the flu shot, ODH also recommends washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into elbows; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when sick. Those same techniques can protect from a range of other illnesses — and a few of those can be deadly, too.

Don’t take chances with your health, or that of your children. Flu shots can be given to those 6 months and older. They might not like the needle, but the worst-case scenario is unbearable.