The 216 pediatric deaths are way more than the 207 reported last year
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more children died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago. The 216 pediatric deaths are way more than the 207 reported last year.
And given that the flu season is still going on, experts believe the numbers are going to be startlingly high. The final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season is not counted until autumn. “This number that we have now is almost certainly an undercount and one that, when the season is declared over and they compile all the data, is almost certain to go up,” Dr. Sean O’Leary, of the American Academy of Pediatrics told NBC News.
What caused the high number of kids' deaths?
According to experts, a few contributors to the severity of the otherwise mild condition could be that many children have not been given flu shots. Doctors say the flu vaccination rate for US children has plummeted from about 64 percent five years ago to 49 per cent this season.
The CDC says the flu can be more dangerous than the common cold for children. Those younger than five years old, especially those younger than 2—and children of any age with certain chronic health conditions—are at higher risk of developing potentially serious flu-related complications.
Parents can help children fight the flu by getting themselves and their children vaccinated against the flu each year.
What are the complications of flu for children?
Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. The CDC says every year thousands of kids get hospitalised. A few complications from the flu among children in this age group can include:
Pneumonia
An illness where the lungs get infected and inflamed
Dehydration
When a child's body loses too much water and salts, often because fluid losses are greater than from fluid intake
Heart disease or asthma
Worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma
Brain issues
Brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy
Sinus
Flu can aggravate sinus problems and ear infections
How does vaccination protect from flu complications?
According to experts, an annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine. There are many vaccine options:
Flu shots
Given as an injection and approved for use in those who are six months and older.
Nasal spray vaccine
Also known as the live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV, it is approved for those through 49 years old. However, LAIV is not recommended for pregnant women or those who have certain underlying medical conditions.
When is the ideal time for kids to be given flu shots?
According to experts, kids need to be vaccinated every flu season for the best protection against the highly contagious infection. For most of those who need only one dose of flu vaccine for the season, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. Ideally, everyone six months and older should be vaccinated by the end of October.
Some children may also need two doses of the vaccine, and so for those, doctors recommend getting the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available—even if this is in July or August—because the second dose needs to be given at least four weeks after the first. However, getting vaccinated later can still be protective, as long as influenza viruses are spreading—even into January or later.
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