138 Pediatric Flu-related Fatalities Reported

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced four additional influenza-associated pediatric fatalities have occurred during the 2022-2023 flu season in the United States.

A total of 138 pediatric flu deaths have been reported so far this flu season.

The good news is the CDC FluView week #12 report confirmed seasonal flu rates were low nationally last week, with outpatient respiratory illness below baseline, and eight of 10 HHS regions are below their respective baselines as of March 31, 2023.

Previously, the World Health Organization published Influenza Update N° 401 on March 20, 2023, stating most indicators of influenza activity decreased to levels similar to or below levels typically observed this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere.

The CDC suggests anyone traveling to the Southern Hemisphere in April 2023 speak with a healthcare provider about potentially getting an additional flu shot for protection.

Flu shots remain available for most people over six months at most clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

As of March 4, 2023, about 173.37 million influenza vaccines had been distributed during the 2022-2023 flu season.