Kentucky health officials report first death from flu

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WBKO) - The Kentucky Department for Public Health has announced that a child has died from influenza.

The child did not receive this season’s flu vaccine.

“Influenza is on the rise across Kentucky,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health in a release. “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.”

The state also reported its first COVID-19 pediatric death of the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season last month.

According to the release, hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to influenza are increasing in Kentucky. The most current data on respiratory virus activity in Kentucky is available online, click here.

Though most influenza and COVID-19 infections result in mild illness, serious symptoms such as:

• difficulty or fast breathing
• seizures
• bluish lips or face
• high fever (above 104 degrees)
• fever or cough that improves but then comes back or gets worse
• dehydration (e.g., reduced urine output, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• worsening of other medical conditions requires medical attention

Antiviral treatment of influenza and COVID-19 is also recommended for some people to reduce the severity of the illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine, especially children younger than five or anyone with a high-risk medical condition.

Vaccinations are effective at reducing the risk of infection, hospitalization and death.

Influenza vaccination rates have been declining in recent years, per the release Less than 17% of Kentucky children have received a flu vaccine this season, and just 2% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

“It is important for people who have not been vaccinated this season to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves and others,” Dr. Stack added.

There have been widespread reports of flu and respiratory virus outbreaks and of schools closing or using nontraditional instruction days across the state due to high levels of illness.

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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in healthcare provider offices and pharmacies. To find a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.

Health officials also encourage good health habits to prevent transmission of flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as:

• washing hands often with soap and warm water
• covering coughs and sneezes
• staying at home from work or school when sick