Kentucky reports pediatric influenza death

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Health officials confirmed Friday that a child has died from influenza in Kentucky.

According to a release by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the development was announced by the Kentucky Department of Health.

Officials say the child did not have a flu vaccine for this season.

“Influenza is on the rise across Kentucky,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “Unfortunately, viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases that can be deadly to some people, including children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness and death.”

Kentucky also reported its first COVID-19 pediatric death of the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season last month, officials say.

Officials say hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to the flu are increasing in Kentucky. The most current data on respiratory virus activity in Kentucky is available by clicking here.

Though most influenza and COVID-19 infections create mild illness, officials say, they can lead to serious symptoms. These may include difficulty or fast breathing, seizures, bluish lips or face, a high fever above 104 degrees, fever or cough that improves but then comes back or gets worse, dehydration or worsening of other medical conditions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those six months of age and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine, according to the release. This is especially including children who are younger than 5 years old or anyone with a high-risk medical condition.

Officials say influenza vaccination rates have been declining recently. Less than 17% of Kentucky children received a flu vaccine this season, according to officials, and just 2% received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

There have been reports of flu and respiratory outbreaks, with some impacting schools with closures or NTI days from high levels of illness.

Officials say most individuals can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines for free. To find a vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.

To prevent transmission of illnesses, health officials recommend washing hands often with soap and warm water, covering coughs and staying home from work or school when sick.