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The hospital sent her home on Thursday after she appeared to be doing better, but the progress didn't last. Alivia died in her sleep on Monday morning.

\"She was eating cheerios last night,\" Stettler said. \"She was walking last night. How does that just happen?\"

The exact cause of Alivia’s death has not been determined. Representatives at Ball Memorial Hospital, where she was last treated, declined to comment on the specifics of her case but issued a statement that read: “While we can't discuss any patient's care, we are very saddened by her passing. Our hearts go out to her family.\"

\"PHOTO:
Family photo via WRTV
PHOTO: Alivia Viellieux, of Muncie, Indiana, died at home Monday morning, just days after being diagnosed with the flu. The 3-year-old girl's grandmother, Tameka Stettler, said the family is second-guessing its decision not to vaccinate her.
>

Her death comes as the nation battles one of the most brutal flu outbreaks on record. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 14,676 people have been hospitalized with influenza since the flu season began in October -- double the number from all of last year and the highest ever recorded.

At least 63 children have died from influenza in the current flu season, according to the CDC, which is urging those who haven't been vaccinated to do so.

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