Introduction to the Flu Season
The current flu season has been particularly harsh, with more U.S. children dying from the flu than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago. According to a federal report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of pediatric deaths has reached 216, surpassing the 207 reported last year. This makes it the most severe season since the 2009-2010 H1N1 global flu pandemic.
The Severity of the Season
It’s startling that the number of pediatric deaths is this high, given that the flu season is still ongoing. The final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season wasn’t counted until autumn. Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics noted, “This number that we have now is almost certainly an undercount, and one that — when the season is declared over, and they compile all the data — it’s almost certain to go up.”
Contributors to the Season’s Severity
There are likely several contributors to this season’s severity, but a significant one is that fewer children are getting flu shots. The flu vaccination rate for U.S. children has plummeted from about 64% five years ago to 49% this season. Dr. O’Leary, a University of Colorado pediatric infectious diseases specialist, added that flu vaccinations may not prevent people from coming down with symptoms, but research shows they are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths. The decline in vaccinations “is certainly playing a role" in this season’s loss of life.
Impact on Children and Adults
The season has not only been hard on children but also on adults. CDC officials have described it as “highly severe,” and estimate that so far there have been at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths this season. The good news is that flu indicators have been waning since February.
Prevention and Awareness
It’s essential to understand the importance of flu vaccinations in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. As Dr. O’Leary emphasized, the decline in vaccinations is a significant contributor to the severity of the season. Raising awareness about the importance of flu shots can help increase vaccination rates and reduce the number of illnesses and deaths.
Conclusion
The current flu season has been particularly harsh, with a record number of pediatric deaths. The decline in flu vaccination rates among children is a significant contributor to the severity of the season. It’s crucial to raise awareness about the importance of flu shots and work towards increasing vaccination rates to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
FAQs
Q: What is the current number of pediatric deaths in the US due to the flu?
A: The current number of pediatric deaths in the US due to the flu is 216, according to the CDC.
Q: What is the main contributor to the severity of the flu season?
A: The decline in flu vaccination rates among children is a significant contributor to the severity of the season.
Q: How effective are flu vaccinations in preventing hospitalizations and deaths?
A: Flu vaccinations are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths, according to research.
Q: What is the estimated number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths this season?
A: The CDC estimates that there have been at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths this season.
Q: Is it too late to get a flu shot?
A: No, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. While the flu season is still ongoing, getting vaccinated can still provide protection against the flu.
