A young child has succumbed to complications related to the flu in Virginia, as confirmed by authorities from the state's health department.
On Thursday, officials from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that this tragic incident marks the first recorded pediatric flu fatality of the 2023-2024 flu season.
Expressing condolences, State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton conveyed the department's heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family. Dr. Shelton emphasized the severity of the flu, stating, "Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death." The deceased child, aged between 5 to 12, resided in the Eastern region of the state.
The Eastern region encompasses various areas, including the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake, Essex, Franklin City, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, and York.
As VDH officials anticipate an escalation in flu activity with colder weather, they underscored the importance of vaccination. Dr. Shelton urged eligible individuals to get the flu vaccine, emphasizing its role in safeguarding not only personal health but also that of the community.
The health department disclosed that flu-related visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers are notably high, particularly among young and school-aged children. For the week concluding on December 23, these visits accounted for 6.9% of total visits, with rates of 14.7% and 13.2% among young children and school-aged children, respectively.
While projecting the 2023-24 flu season to fall within the typical range of severity, officials emphasized the potential variability in outcomes, citing five influenza-associated child deaths reported during the previous season.
To mitigate the spread of the flu, health department officials recommended three preventive measures:
- All individuals aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, consulting healthcare providers as necessary.
- Practice good preventive health measures, including regular handwashing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and staying home when feeling unwell.
- Seek healthcare promptly if flu symptoms arise, as antiviral medications prescribed by healthcare providers can help prevent serious complications.
To find a flu vaccine, individuals can visit Vaccinate.Virginia.gov or contact their local health department.
