Minnesota's pediatric flu death total now at 3

State health officials have confirmed two more pediatric flu deaths this season.

A total of three children have died from flu-related complications since the outbreak became widespread a few weeks ago.

Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Karen Martin said flu viruses appear to be causing less illness this season than the past few years. But she said people who are sickened can experience severe complications, especially children.

"It's a terrible situation and we really feel for the families or anyone who knew those children," she said. "But unfortunately flu does this every year and so we just want to get people aware to kind of be vigilant about it even when it's a supposed milder season."

There have been 843 flu hospitalizations so far, compared to more than 4,100 hospitalizations for all of last year's season.