Health officials in Orange County are urging protection Wednesday after a 7-year-old Cornwall boy died of complications from the flu.

Doctors say the boy, who attended Little Britain Elementary School, fell ill last week and quickly took a turn for the worse. Orange County Commissioner of Health Dr. Jean Hudson says the boy had a mild strain of influenza B, which contributed to respiratory arrest. Hudson says the boy also had asthma, which could have caused complications with the flu, but he hadn?t shown asthma symptoms in two years.

Hudson says the boy wasn?t vaccinated, but emphasizes there?s no way to know if it would?ve made a difference. According to Hudson, the boy was not part of the primary group the CDC advises to get flu shots.

?But we need to also be aware that it can happen at any age,? Hudson says. ?And we need to do everything we can to protect all of our residents.?

Doctors suggest residents wash their hands throughout the day. They also recommend residents stay home from work or school if they are sick.

Hudson gave information about the flu to the staff at the boy?s school. School officials forwarded that information to parents, along with information on how to talk to children about losing a classmate.

Funeral services for the boy will be held Friday.

Related Information:To find out about flu clinics around Orange County, call (845) 291-4300You can also find more information about the flu at CDC -Flu