CONCORD - A child is among the 35 New Hampshire residents who have died this season from the flu.

According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services, the number of people who have died from the flu this season is the most in the state since 1997.

The agency did not identify the child who died, citing confidentiality and privacy, but said the child was under 5 years old.

"One of the sad facts about influenza is that people can die from this illness, and people often tend to forget or ignore how serious it can be," said New Hampshire Public Health Director Dr. Jose Montero in a prepared statement. "The season is not over and can run into May so we continue to encourage people over the age of six months to get vaccinated if they haven't already done so this season."