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Lorna Benson

Two more children in Minnesota die of the flu

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The Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday that two more children under the age of 18 have died of the flu.

According to the department, the cases — both of which were related to Type A influenza infections — occured a few weeks ago, but were just now confirmed as being related to the flu.

Minnesota's total number of pediatric flu deaths stands at eight this season. The last time flu deaths were this high among kids was during the 2009 flu pandemic, when nine children died.

"This has been a very severe flu season. We've seen a very high number of hospitalizations," said epidemiologist Melissa McMahon. "The Influenza A H3 strain that has been going around this year generally does lead to a more severe flu season. So we aren't surprised that that's the kind of flu that was going around."

McMahon said it's not too late to get vaccinated against flu. While Type A cases are tapering off, Type B flu cases are increasing. The current vaccine is considered a good match to protect against Type B flu.

Flu season typically lasts into April or May.