It’s essential to take preventive measures to push back the seasonal flu.
A shadow of loss hangs over Virginia this vacation season, because the state’s Division of Well being (VDH) introduced the primary reported influenza-associated pediatric dying of the 2023-2024 season. The kid, aged between 5 and 12, resided within the japanese area of the state, encompassing Hampton Roads. Particulars surrounding the tragedy stay non-public out of respect for the household’s privateness.
“We on the Virginia Division of Well being are broken-hearted and lengthen our sympathies to the household of this baby throughout this troublesome time,” State Well being Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton mentioned in a assertion. “Though the flu is frequent, it could possibly trigger critical sickness and even dying. I urge everybody who’s eligible to obtain the flu vaccine to take action not solely to guard themselves however to guard these round them.”
Whereas Virginia’s present flu season falls inside the anticipated vary of severity, even “typical” seasons can fluctuate considerably, leading to widespread sickness, hospitalizations, and, as this tragic case underscores, fatalities. Final yr, Virginia witnessed 5 influenza-associated deaths amongst kids, based on information experiences.
Vaccination charges, sadly, paint a regarding image. Solely 27% of eligible Virginians have obtained the flu vaccine to this point this season, highlighting the pressing want for elevated immunizations. A latest examine revealed the vaccine’s effectiveness, demonstrating a virtually 50% discount in flu-related emergency division and pressing care visits and over a 33% lower in hospitalizations amongst U.S. adults in the course of the 2022-23 season.
Within the face of rising flu exercise, VDH reiterates its three-pronged strategy to prevention:
- Vaccination: Everybody six months and older ought to get vaccinated yearly, consulting their healthcare supplier if needed, to forestall pediatric circumstances. Vaccination is the primary line of protection towards the flu and protects not solely your self but in addition these round you, particularly susceptible populations like younger kids and older adults.
- Preventive Hygiene: Apply good hand hygiene by washing commonly or utilizing an alcohol-based sanitizer, observe correct respiratory etiquette (coughing/sneezing right into a tissue or your elbow), and keep residence when feeling unwell.
- Early Healthcare Intervention: When you fall in poor health, search medical consideration promptly. Antiviral drugs prescribed by a healthcare skilled is usually a beneficial remedy choice for some sufferers and assist mitigate extreme issues.
VDH experiences a notable surge in flu-like sickness visits to emergency departments and pressing care amenities throughout the state, with the week ending December twenty third witnessing a regarding 6.9% of whole visits attributed to influenza signs. This rise is especially evident amongst younger kids and school-aged kids, with these age teams accounting for 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively.
With winter’s peak but to reach, Virginia residents should prioritize flu prevention measures, particularly for pediatric circumstances. Getting vaccinated stays the simplest protection towards the virus, and working towards good hygiene habits additional bolsters safety. This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of influenza and a name to collectively work in the direction of rising vaccination charges and safeguarding public well being as winter unfolds.
To find a seasonal flu vaccine within the state of Virginia, go to Vaccinate Virginia or contact any native well being division.
Sources:
Virginia well being officers announce first reported baby flu dying of season
Virginia Division of Well being experiences first baby flu dying of 2023-24 season
