Flu Season Claims Lives of Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fifty-two children have died from the flu this season, indicating that pediatric deaths may surpass last year’s alarming figures.

Notably, the CDC reported that around ninety percent of these children had not received their annual flu vaccination.

“We’re really preparing ourselves,” said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of Families Fighting Flu. “We’re worried that we haven’t even hit the peak of the flu season yet.”

The CDC’s latest findings show that flu activity has picked up again after a few weeks of decline. They estimate that this season has seen at least 20 million flu cases, leading to 270,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths.

Having two flu waves in one season isn’t unusual, particularly as one strain takes over from another.

While flu A, specifically the H3N2 subclade K strain, remains prevalent, a B strain is also gaining traction.

Data from previous seasons have shown a similar pattern where flu cases rise in January and February after spikes in late December.

Rising Hospitalizations, Falling Vaccination Rates

This season has recorded the highest hospitalization rates for children with the flu in the past fifteen years, as reported on Friday.

By late December, the CDC noted that the hospitalization rate for kids under 18 was at its highest since the 2010-2011 season.

For the week ending January 24, there was an increase in emergency room visits due to flu diagnoses among children aged 5 to 17, while rates remained steady or decreased in other age groups.

It’s concerning that more kids are falling seriously ill as vaccination rates drop.

As of January 17, only 45.1% of children between 6 months and 17 years had received their flu shot this season, a notable decrease from the 63.7% vaccination rate during the 2019-2020 season.

Last season, which was particularly deadly, saw 289 pediatric flu deaths. At this time last year, the death toll stood at 47.

This month, the previous administration changed longstanding recommendations regarding childhood vaccines, suggesting that parents consult their pediatricians about flu shots instead of recommending annual vaccinations starting at 6 months.

Major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, opposed these changes and continue to advocate for yearly flu vaccinations.

“Isn’t it obvious that there’s a link between rising hospitalizations and deaths with decreasing vaccinations?” Slafkosky emphasized. “It’s not too late to get a flu shot. While it may not prevent flu altogether, it can help avoid severe complications and keep both you and your children out of the hospital.”