3-Year-Old Aurora Girl Dies Of Flu

Chicago (CBS) -- Kane County health officials determined that a 3-year-old Aurora girl died of the flu at Rush Copley Medical Center on Dec. 21.

RELATED Flu Season Arrives Later Than Usual, Hitting Children The Hardest

Health officials said this season's flu strain is particularly targeting children. The Centers for Disease Control reported 13 children have died nationwide.

"Among hospitalizations so far this year, the highest rates that we are seeing are in those who are under age five," said Daniel Jernigan of the CDC.

The girl's death follows one of the deadliest flu seasons on record last year. The CDC estimates 183 kids in the U.S. died from the flu last year and tens of thousands ended up in the hospital.

Doctors say 85 percent of kids who died from the flu last year had not been vaccinated.

At least four children in Illinois died from the flu last year.

Doctors said with many weeks left in the flu season,  it is not too late to get the flu shot.

It is recommended that children over six months get flu shots.