Influenza Continues to Spread, Claiming 53 Pediatric Deaths

As flu activity remains widespread across the U.S., the FDA continues to monitor the situation closely.

This year’s flu season has been particularly challenging, with a notable number of cases leading to hospitalization.

The 2018 flu season’s predominant strain of the influenza A virus is H3N2.

“We are not out of the woods yet," said Anne Schuchat, MD, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to Dr. Schuchat, this past week brought yet another increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) activity, a spike in hospitalizations, and, most distressingly, 16 new reports of pediatric influenza deaths.

A total of 53 pediatric deaths related to influenza have been reported during the 2017/2018 flu season.

Dr. Schuchat reported that previous peak in pediatric deaths was 368 deaths during the H1N1 pandemic of 2009-10.

"We, of course, don't want the worried well to be exposed to flu at a hospital, but if your child has a persistent high fever, or if they improve but then get sick again, those are signs it's time to see a provider," said Dr. Schuchat.

“This season is the perfect example of why influenza should be taken seriously.  It is not too late to get the flu shot for your child or yourself,” says Chris Felton, PharmD, MTM Clinical Pharmacist at Brookshire Grocery Company.

“While the vaccine does not guarantee that you will not contract the flu, it is the best tool available for prevention and reducing potential severity of illness”, said Felton.

In the latest CDC update, 87 percent of hospitalized infections were associated with influenza A virus, with H3N2 the dominant subtype.

The CDC has characterized 1,041 different influenza viruses collected between October 1, 2017 – January 20, 2018.

Additionally, a recent research study found to prevent the flu has a new twist.

This study suggests that keeping surfaces clean, washing hands, and avoiding people who are coughing, does not provide complete protection from getting the flu.

This new study reveals that our breath may pass the flu virus  to others 39 percent of the time.

The flu shot cost varies depending on your insurance and which state you live.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Flu vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.