10-year-old girl dies from severe flu complications in Maryland

A 10-year-old girl in Maryland has died after suffering complications from the flu. Minka Aisha Greene was healthy and active before developing symptoms at the end of January. Her mother noticed a lack of energy and appetite, which led her to take Minka to the emergency room. At the hospital, Minka was diagnosed with the flu and a urinary tract infection. She was sent home after receiving ibuprofen. However, her condition worsened, and she was taken back to the hospital. After being given fluids, she was sent home again to rest. The next morning, Minka's health took a serious turn. She began vomiting and told her mother she couldn't feel her legs or feet. The family rushed her to the hospital, but by the time they arrived, Minka had stopped breathing. Despite efforts to revive her, she was declared dead on February 10. Minka's family shared their heartbreaking story to raise awareness about the dangers of the flu. They stress the importance of advocating for children's health and listening to their complaints. Minka suffered from severe brain inflammation caused by the flu, a condition known as influenza-associated encephalopathy. The current flu season in the U.S. is one of the most severe in over a decade, resulting in over 19,000 deaths, including 68 children. Health officials are warning parents to be vigilant and consider vaccination. They advise regular handwashing to help prevent the spread of the virus.