2nd Md. Teen's Death Also Blamed on Flu; Officials Urge Shots

"It was terrible," said Zachary's grandmother, Fran Weiland. "It was so sudden."

Last year, the CDC said that 78 people younger than 18 died from the flu. Even so, the head of Howard's health department said such deaths are uncommon.

"This is very unusual," Peter Beilenson, Howard's health officer, said of Zachary's case. "This was a healthy, athletic kid."

This year, the CDC has reported nine pediatric deaths as of Feb. 20, not including the two Maryland cases. Maryland officials said one young person died of flu last year.

D.C. area schools said they have not had an unusually high number of absences, but at least one Baltimore area elementary school, Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Towson, canceled classes this week because many students were reporting flu symptoms.

Area health officials said the deaths are a reminder that people should get a flu shot or use the flu mist, and most counties report that they have an ample supply. People should contact their local health department for information. People can also stay healthy by practicing good hygiene: washing their hands and covering their sneezes and coughs by using the crook of the arm, for example.

Beilenson said that a prolonged fever, difficulty breathing, confusion, irritability or a bluish tint to the lips or nails might indicate a more serious infection and that someone with those symptoms should see a doctor.

Frances Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health, said this year's vaccine is particularly effective against most strains of the flu. "It is not too late now for people to get a flu shot," she said.