College student dies as flu rises

Flu has hit Massachusetts hard this year. Doctors visits for flulike illness are more than double the normal flu season rate, according to the state Department of Public Health. Flu has accounted for about 1.8 percent of all visits to local doctors' offices this year, compared to 0.7 percent in average years.

Public health officials would not disclose details about the student's case, but cautioned yesterday that it did not indicate that flu deaths in Massachusetts would jump this year.

Reached last night at their home in Winthrop, the student's parents asked that his name be witheld pending an autopsy. "He was healthy," said the boy's mother. "Doctors said he was a very strong, healthy boy. They said he had influenza, but there should be no reason for him to succumb to that."

In a typical year, flu kills about 800 Bay State residents, mostly the elderly and infirm. There are no local flu death figures for this year, though state officials said no young children have died.

The flu has killed nine young Colorado children, prompting a run on flu vaccine and near panic in some areas of the country.

New England Cable News reported the student died at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"There are not many flu deaths at this age; this is an unusual and sad circumstance," said Alfred DeMaria, communicable disease control director for the state Department of Public Health.

State health officials urged people at risk for flu complications, those under age 2 or over 65, to get flu vaccinations, saying that it's not too late for a shot to give some protection. Patients with heart and lung problems also fall into the risk category.

The state has distributed its entire supply of 589,000 flu vaccine doses to 6,000 doctors, clinics, and hospitals, but is seeking more from national providers. Nationally, 83 million doses were produced, while 185 million people are recommended for vaccination, US health officials have said.

The supply reflects typical vaccine demand of about 70 million doses, but demand surged because of the Colorado cases. The Bush administration is seeking to purchase supplies from abroad.

Meanwhile, a nasal vaccine is available for those ages 5 to 49.

The flu strain currently spreading, called H3N2 Fujian, is striking earlier than previous strains, with more devastating results, particularly in children. This year's flu has caused sudden death and brain damage in some cases, which are rare complications.

Though the outbreak hasn't killed enough people to be classified as an epidemic, it is nearing that level, with flu widespread in 13 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Flu symptoms include sudden fevers, chills, muscle aches, and sore throat, developing into cough, runny nose, and other respiratory problems. Children might develop stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. People with prolonged flulike symptoms should seek medical attention, health authorities said.

Raja Mishra can be reached at rmishra@globe.com.