A toddler in Virginia died of flu complications, becoming the first pediatric death reported this flu season, state health officials said Wednesday.
The child was described only as “pre-school age” or younger than five years old and lived in the “East Region,” officials said in a statement. Officials declined to release further details, citing privacy issues with the family.
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton extended condolences to the family but urged residents to get vaccinated. Health officials said that fewer than 30 percent of eligible Virginians reported receiving a flu shot this season.
“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,” Shelton said.
Officials reported that last influenza season was the most deadly for children across the United States, and nearly 90 percent of the children who died did not receive up-to-date flu vaccinations. About half the children who died did not have underlying medical conditions, the statement said.
According to data received as of Jan. 10, officials report that respiratory illnesses were at a “moderate” level and statewide flu activity has been trending down in recent weeks, the statement said.
However, officials cautioned that the flu season continues and more than 4,600 flu patients flooded state emergency rooms so far.
Officials say that most people should get an annual flu shot, including children as young as six months old. In addition, health officials said spread of the disease can be limited if people frequently wash their hands with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow, and stay home when they feel sick.
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