Local

Officials: Pregnant Fla woman dies from severe flu

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida health officials say one pregnant woman has died and four others around the state have been hospitalized because of the flu.

The Florida Department of Health warned flu season is in full swing statewide and urged all residents to get vaccinated. In an effort to encourage others to follow his lead, Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong got his flu shot at a media event Friday.

Pregnant women and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Symptoms include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches.

State health officials recently announced that Medicaid will temporarily pay for flu shots for pregnant patients over the age of 21 through the end of March.

The vaccination protects the unborn child and babies during the first months after birth.