Teenager on NSW Central Coast dies after contracting influenza

A teenage school student has died after contracting influenza on the New South Wales Central Coast.

A Central Coast Local Health District spokesperson confirmed the death of a local student in the region with influenza B.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the student's family and friends at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.

READ MORE: Tens of thousands of Aussies told to claim slice of $52 million

The teenager was a student at St Joseph's Catholic College in East Gosford.

9News.com.au has contacted the school for comment.

It comes as flu cases have surged in NSW, particularly among children.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant warned last week there had been a 30 per cent increase in children admitted to hospital with the virus.

Children aged under 16 years made up around half of all emergency hospital presentations for influenza-like illness, and over a third of all influenza-like illness hospital admissions in the past week.

READ MORE: Leaked documents reveal insane truth of Putin's 'ghost car'

Chant said the numbers are "concerning" and said parents of children aged five to 16 should book their child in for a flu vaccine these school holidays.

"In recent weeks we have seen influenza cases rising fastest among very young children as well as those aged five to 16 years, with these two age groups often accounting for around half of all flu cases diagnosed in NSW each week," Chant said.

"The very best thing parents can do to keep their kids well this winter, and to reduce the risk of them being hospitalised due to influenza, is to ensure their children receive a flu vaccine if they haven't yet."

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.