Virginia Department of Health (VDH) confirmed the first influenza-related pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season, emphasizing the criticality of flu prevention measures. Tragically, a child from VDH’s Eastern region succumbed to flu-related complications. Respecting the family’s privacy, VDH withheld additional details regarding the incident.
Expressing condolences, State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton remarked, “The Virginia Department of Health extends heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. The flu, though common, can escalate into severe health outcomes, including fatalities. I implore all eligible individuals to prioritize flu vaccinations, safeguarding not only themselves but also their communities.”
To counteract escalating flu trends, VDH advocates for the following preventive actions:
- Ensure yearly flu vaccination for individuals aged six months and above, consulting healthcare professionals as necessary.
- Uphold stringent preventive health practices encompassing regular handwashing, adhering to respiratory etiquette, and self-isolating during illness onset.
- Promptly seek medical intervention if symptomatic; healthcare providers might prescribe antiviral medications to mitigate severe complications.
Recent data underscores rising influenza prevalence in Virginia, especially among the younger demographic. As of December 23, flu-related emergency and urgent care visits surged, constituting 6.9% of total consultations, with children notably affected, comprising 14.7% and 13.2% of respective visits. Although the 2023-24 flu season’s projected severity aligns with historical averages, variations can culminate in heightened illness rates, hospitalizations, and fatalities. Notably, Virginia documented five pediatric flu-related deaths during the 2022-23 season.
Highlighting vaccination disparities, only 27% of eligible Virginians have secured flu shots this season. Encouragingly, recent research underscores the vaccine’s efficacy, slashing flu-related emergency visits by nearly half and hospitalizations by over a third during the 2022-23 period. Given Virginia’s escalating flu activity, VDH underscores the imperative of timely flu vaccinations for optimal community health outcomes.
