Second strain of flu is usually the worst one, doctors say

Allegheny County Police are investigating whether the flu caused a 17-month-old boy to die Wednesday in South Park.

A new strain, Influenza B, is going around and can be especially severe for young kids.

RELATED: Police: 1-year-old's death may be flu-related

Mason McDonald, a 17-month old from South Park, died and investigators are looking into whether the flu was the cause of death.

Right now, more people are getting Influenza B as opposed to Influenza A, the H3N2 virus strain that's been so deadly this flu season.

TRENDING NOW:

• Man, pregnant woman identified in murder-suicide at Southpointe apartment
• Man beaten during home invasion in Brookline
• Local mother killed in freak accident while taking children to school
• VIDEO: Georgia Coffee Shop Happily Hires 14 Employees With Special Needs

Emergency room Dr. Mitchell Kosanovich says Influenza B usually strikes later in the flu season.

"The Influenza B is historically a little bit worse for younger children, but it's not dramatically different," Kosanovich said.

In the case of Mason, family members told Channel 11 the little boy was vaccinated but had been battling the croup and the flu and had been in the hospital just days ago.

Every case is different and Kosanovich says every person's immune system reacts differently to the flu, but it's still important to get the vaccine.

If you want to receive notifications like this one, download the WPXI News App.

He says this year's vaccine is a better match for Influenza B than it was for Influenza A.

"Even though it's late, if you didn't get vaccinated, vaccinate your kids, vaccinate the adults, it's still worthwhile getting vaccinated," he said.

The only positive is that this year's vaccine is a better match for Influenza B; only about a 10-15 percent better match, but still a better match.

Historically, the second strain of the flu that comes when the flu season is ending is usually the worst one.

Allegheny County still leads the state in flu cases and has recorded nearly 11,000 so far this season.

There have been at least 26 flu deaths in the county.

The federal government is trying to come up with a flu vaccine that works equally on all 15 strands.

The family of Mason McDonald started a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses.

Cox Media Group