Most Flu-Related Pediatric Fatalities Reported in Years

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that the number of influenza-associated pediatric fatalities this flu season exceeded the previous two years. But were far less than in 2019.

A total of 47 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred during the 2022-2023 season. This data compares with 199 during the 2019-2022 season.

Most pediatric fatalities were associated with influenza A viruses.

In the overall U.S. population during week #50, 6.3% of patient visits reported were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat.

The CDC disclosed among the 3,026 fatalities reported last week, 1,386 listed pneumonia as an underlying or contributing cause of death on the death certificate, 1,232 had COVID-19, and 408 listed influenza.

The best news reported by the CDC on December 23, 2022, was 'Seasonal influenza activity remains high but is declining in most areas.'

Disclosures: U.S. CDC data and flu shot news curated at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Flu.