Tennessee confirms 10th pediatric flu death

DANDRIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Health says 10 children have died from the flu this season.

Officials confirmed Wednesday that the deaths have been spread out across the entire state. The agency added that more than 41,000 people have tested positive for the flu in Tennessee this season.

Additionally, 45 out of the state’s 95 counties have had at least one confirmed influenza case this season. Local health departments are offering free flu vaccines.

Doctors say the flu shot is the best prevention against getting the flu.

It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies to develop enough to protect the body.