Kentucky reports first pediatric flu death this respiratory virus season

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky health officials with the Kentucky Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed the first pediatric flu death in Kentucky this season.

According to a release by the Kentucky Department of Health, the child, a resident of Kenton County, did not receive this season’s flu vaccine.

“Team Kentucky is deeply saddened by the loss of a child to influenza,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “Our hearts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. This is a heartbreaking reminder that the flu is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and people with high-risk medical conditions.”

Health officials say the flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza.

Seasonal influenza is increasing across Kentucky, according to health officials, especially among children.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health states emergency department visits and hospitalizations for the flu among pediatric patients younger than 5 are higher than they were a year ago, according to the release.

“While flu activity is increasing across Kentucky, there are proven steps families can take to protect their loved ones,” said Dr. John Langefeld, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “The flu vaccine is safe, effective and widely available. It is the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.”

According to the release, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts recommend that everyone six months of age and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are widely available in health-care clinics and pharmacies, usually at no cost, health officials say. Both vaccines can be given during the same visit and at any point in the flu season, health officials say, which is typically from October to May.

Health officials say most flu and COVID-19 infections result in mild illness, however, serious symptoms require medical attention.

These can range from difficulty breathing to seizures, bluish lips or face, fevers higher than 104 degrees, coughing that improves but then returns or gets worse and dehydration.

Those who are most vulnerable to the flu include young children, those over the age of 65 and anyone who is immunocompromised, pregnant or that has an underlying chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

“We share this information not to alarm families but to encourage simple actions that help keep our communities, including our children, healthy,” Langefeld said.

Health officials say they also encourage good health habits to prevent transmission of flu and other respiratory illnesses. These include washing hands often with soap and warm water, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home from work or school when sick.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health shares data on respiratory virus activity in Kentucky through its Respiratory Disease Data Dashboard and other resources, which can be found at chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/RespiratoryDiseases.aspx.