6-year-old in Dallas with flu symptoms dies

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A 6-year-old in Dallas died Tuesday after visiting a hospital with flu-like symptoms, media outlets in the area reported Wednesday.

In North Texas, a 6-year-old with flu-like symptoms died after leaving a hospital emergency

The girl's grandmother found her unresponsive shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday and called 911, the NBC station KXAS reported.

Family members told KXAS that the child appeared to be doing fine when they checked on her at about 2 a.m.

The girl was taken Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite on Monday after she missed school because of aches and pains, the station said. They waited for four hours before doctors told them she didn't need a flu test.

Meanwhile, the Austin chapter of the American Red Cross on Wednesday encouraged people who have not been vaccinated for the flu to get the flu shot.

The agency said Texas is among 40 states experiencing large numbers of people with the flu, and said this year's outbreak is the worst in several years.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. The Red Cross, meanwhile, has some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu virus. Parents can also practice these things with their kids to help keep them well:

• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hands.
• Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•  Stay home if sick.