STATE NEWS — State health officials report the first two pediatric flu deaths in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, one child in Middle Tennessee and one child in East Tennessee are now dead due to flu-related illness. The first flu-related child death happened in Texas in November.

During any flu season, children and people over the age of 65 are most at risk for developing serious complications from the flu. For all Tennesseans, health officials recommend getting a flu shot as soon as possible. Most county health departments, including the Moore County Health Department, offers flu vaccinations free of charge.

Health officials also warn those suffering with the flu to stay home and avoid infecting other people. People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after the illness begins but can infect others for up to a week.

There are subtle differences between the common cold and flu. Flu symptoms tend to arrive abruptly with fever, aches, and chills. Flu patients often feel fatigued and weak. Sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat are more common with a cold than the flu. Flu patients also often suffer with a headache.

The Moore County Health Department is located at 251 Majors Boulevard. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed every Saturday and Sunday. For more information about getting your flu vaccination, call them at 931-759-4251.•

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}