6 flu deaths among kids reported in Canada

Flu activity remains high in Canada, according to a new report released on Friday that confirms children and teens were hit hard.

A total of17,743 laboratory-confirmed flu cases have been reported, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in its weekly FluWatch report.

Six pediatric deaths occurred so far this season, all children under the age of 10.There were also 95 pediatric admissions to ICU for flu.

Influenza A is the most common form of the virus circulating in Canada, and the majority of these viruses are H1N1.

The Canadian report covers the period Dec. 30 to Jan. 5.

Elsewhere on Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated 69,000 to 84,000 Americanswere hospitalized due to the flu in the last three months.

The U.S. saw one of the worst flu outbreaks in nearly a decade during the 2017-2018 season, with more than 900,000 casesof hospitalizations and over 80,000 deaths, the CDC estimates .

TheH1N1virus is also the predominant strain in the U.S. this year.

Flu infections bring fever, cough, general malaise and achy muscles and joints.

Health officials in both countries sayit's not too late to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

They also recommend that people stay at home and not go to work or school if ill. Everyone is encouraged to wash their hands often, and to cough and sneeze into your elbow.