Flu Deaths In Children Reach Grim Milestone

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According to the CDC’s recent report a grim milestone for flu pediatric deaths has been reached. In late autumn they reported that the total number of US pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season is now at 200. This number exceeds what was previously reported for a regular (non-pandemic) flu season. 80% of the kids that died from flu this season were not fully vaccinated against influenza, CDC data shows. Nearly half of the children had at least one preexisting medical condition. Furthermore estimates show that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu medical visits by about two-thirds and halved the risk of hospitalization among kids, according to the CDC.

This milestone raises the importance of staying vigilant about a child’s health during flu season, between fall and winter, peaking between the months of December and February. One very simple step you can take is to regularly monitor their body temperature. A fever is often the first indication of a viral infection, and early detection can make a significant difference in managing the spread of these viruses.  

In addition to fever, other common symptoms of the flu such as a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose are common. Other flu symptoms include cough, headache, muscle aches, feeling very tired, sweating and chills. In children, these symptoms may show up more often as being fussy or irritable. Children also are more likely than adults to have ear pain, feel sick to the stomach, vomit or have diarrhea with the flu.

During the autumn and winter, checking a child’s temperature twice a day can help monitor for flu. Using an easy-to-use, reliable, and accurate thermometer, such as Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometer, may have a positive impact. It is is designed for simple, non-invasive use, making it perfect for daily checks. By providing quick and accurate readings, it ensures that you can respond promptly and in an adequate manner, if a child’s temperature rises. 

Sources:

EXERGEN P/N 850281, Rev 1