All articles tagged with #pediatric deaths
The flu season is particularly severe this year, driven by an unexpected H3N2 strain called subclade K, leading to record hospitalizations and pediatric deaths across the U.S., despite a mismatched vaccine, highlighting the need for vaccination and vigilance.
Influenza activity in the US has surged with high ILI levels across multiple jurisdictions, a rise in flu positivity, and two confirmed pediatric deaths, mainly caused by H3N2 subclade K, signaling an early start to the flu season. The CDC recommends vaccination and early treatment, as hospitalizations and deaths increase.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed the first pediatric deaths of the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, one from COVID-19 and one from influenza, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Shares of Pfizer and Moderna declined after reports that U.S. health officials may link COVID-19 vaccines to 25 child deaths, though the presentation is not final and safety data continues to be reviewed. The report has sparked controversy amid ongoing investigations into vaccine safety, with authorities emphasizing that current evidence does not establish a causal link between the vaccines and pediatric deaths.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced an ongoing investigation into reports of deaths among children following Covid-19 vaccination, primarily based on self-reported data, but no definitive evidence linking the vaccines to these deaths has been provided.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that states with more permissive gun laws experienced a significant increase in firearm-related deaths among children and teens from 2011 to 2023, highlighting the importance of stricter gun regulations to prevent these preventable tragedies.
Michigan is facing a "moderately severe" flu outbreak, with elevated flu activity and an increase in pediatric hospitalizations. The state recently confirmed its first pediatric influenza-associated death for the 2023-24 flu season. Nearly 90% of flu-related pediatric deaths in the US this year were unvaccinated children. Symptoms of influenza include high fever, muscle aches, and dehydration, with children under 5 at high risk for complications. Vaccination rates for children have been declining, but health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated to decrease flu rates and severity.
At least 57 pediatric deaths have been reported during the 2023-2024 flu season, prompting concern among parents and experts. Health conditions play a significant role in the severity of illnesses, with children, especially those under 5, being at higher risk. Vaccination is crucial for protecting children from the flu, as it reduces the severity and length of illnesses. Parents are advised to watch for flu symptoms, seek medical attention if necessary, and consider antiviral medications for high-risk children. Home remedies and proper care can help manage flu symptoms and keep children comfortable.
The current flu season is proving to be severe for children, with 47 pediatric deaths reported so far. Symptoms doctors are seeing in kids include high fevers, dehydration, poor appetite, sore throat, runny nose, chills, extreme body aches, and muscle inflammation. The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and children starting at 6 months old, as it can help reduce the severity of the illness. Unvaccinated children are often sicker, according to doctors.
Illinois health officials have issued an alert about a rise in dangerous strep throat cases, with at least five pediatric deaths reported so far in the state. The warning centers on the invasive Group-A strep throat, which can cause severe complications when the bacteria migrate to other parts of the body. Doctors urge parents to contact their health providers when their children come down with severe symptoms, like scarlet fever. To prevent group a strep infections, doctors recommend covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often with soap and water, and making sure everyone in the house is up to date with flu, COVID and chickenpox vaccines.