FRANKFORT — A child in Kentucky has died from influenza, state health officials said Friday, marking the latest in a series of concerning developments as respiratory illnesses surge across the state. The child had not received a flu vaccine this season, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
“Influenza is on the rise across Kentucky,” Dr. Steven Stack, the state’s public health commissioner, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, viruses like influenza and COVID-19 can be deadly, particularly for children and other vulnerable individuals. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness and death.”
The state reported its first pediatric death from COVID-19 this season last month. Hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to flu are climbing, officials said.
While most flu and COVID-19 infections result in mild illness, health officials urged residents to be aware of serious symptoms that warrant medical attention. These include difficulty breathing, seizures, bluish lips or face, a high fever above 104 degrees, dehydration, or a worsening of preexisting medical conditions.
Antiviral treatment of influenza and COVID-19 is recommended for some individuals to reduce the severity of illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly young children and those with underlying health conditions. However, immunization rates have been declining in Kentucky. According to state health officials, fewer than 17% of children in the state have received a flu vaccine this season and just 2% have received the latest COVID-19 shot.
Dr. Stack emphasized the importance of vaccination, urging those who have not yet received this season’s flu or COVID-19 shots to do so as soon as possible.
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.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in health care provider offices and pharmacies. Vaccination can be given at any time during the flu season, and the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time. Most individuals can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines for free.
To find a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.
Health officials also encouraged preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick to curb the spread of illness.