The number of children who have died from flu in the United States has risen to nine, with Ohio and Kentucky reporting their first paediatric deaths of the season. An unidentified teenager in Greene County, Ohio, died after infection, while a child in Kenton County, Kentucky, who had not received this year's vaccine also passed away.
Health officials have stressed the importance of flu vaccination. Dr Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said: 'It's not too late to get a flu vaccine. It could prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill.' Dr Steven Stack of the Kentucky Department for Public Health described the deaths as 'a heartbreaking reminder that the flu is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and people with high-risk medical conditions.'
The US is experiencing one of its worst flu seasons on record, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating 7.5 million infections, 81,000 hospitalisations and 3,100 deaths nationwide. Hospitalisations nearly doubled from 9,944 to 19,053 in the week leading up to 20 December. New York State reported its highest weekly case count ever, up 38 per cent, while Colorado recorded a record 782 new flu-related hospitalisations in a single week.
The dominant strain is H3N2, a subtype of influenza A associated with more severe illness in older people. Experts warn the vaccine may be less effective this year as the strain emerged after vaccines were finalised. Despite this, vaccination remains crucial to prevent serious illness. So far, about 42 per cent of US adults have received a flu shot.
The flu season typically runs through spring, with peaks in January and February. Last year saw 280 child deaths. The CDC notes that severity indicators remain low but activity is expected to continue for several weeks.
