Virginia Department of Health reports first child flu death of 2023-24 season

(WSET) — On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the state’s first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season. A child in VDH’s Eastern region died from complications associated with the flu. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH did not provide any further information about the child’s death.

“We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton. “Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them.”

VDH recommends taking these three actions to prevent the flu:

1. Everyone six months and older should receive a yearly flu vaccine, consulting your healthcare provider as needed.
2. Practice good preventive health with hand hygiene kink washing your hands regularly or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, respiratory etiquette like coughing and/or sneezing into a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather, and staying home when you feel sick.
3. If you do get sick, seek healthcare early in your illness if necessary. Antivirals prescribed by a healthcare provider are a treatment option for some patients and can help prevent serious flu complications.

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In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to increase further with colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for 6.9% of total visits, according to VDH. This increase was seen particularly among young children and school-aged children, consisting of 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively.

The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is important to note that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.

In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to escalate further with the onset of colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for a significant 6.9% of total visits. Notably, this increase is particularly pronounced among young children and school-aged children, constituting 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively. The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is crucial to recognize that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the preceding 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.

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In Virginia, vaccination coverage for the flu remains low for both children and adults, with only 27% of eligible Virginians reporting receipt of a flu vaccine this season. Vaccines are available and can help protect people from the most serious health effects of flu viruses. A recent study estimated that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits by almost half and hospitalization by more than a third among U.S. adults during the 2022-23 season. With flu activity increasing in Virginia, VDH recommends getting a flu vaccine if you have not already.

To locate a seasonal flu vaccine near you, click HERE, or contact your local health department. For further information, call (804) 864-8141.