Pediatric Flu deaths and the numbers behind them, for the 2019-2020 season do not paint a pretty picture. In a season where we are quite satisfied to report that the flu has been generally mild, the pediatric flu death-toll has been expensive. The 2019-2020 flu has claimed the lives of 189 children.
Pediatric Flu Deaths: Serious Statistics
Protect Your Child From Becoming a Pediatric Flu Statistics.
The CDC reported this as of October 2. They stated that in the, 2019-2020 season, the “total number of flu deaths in kids reported to CDC for last season to 189.” Doctors and staff at Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Specialists (FLASS) recognize that the horrifying fact behind this number. The fact is that it “surpasses the highest recorded number for pediatric flu deaths reported during a regular flu season…” During the 2017-2018 flu season, “188 pediatric flu deaths were reported to CDC.”
A Frightful Reality to Be Found in Pediatric Flu Death Numbers
As a culture and in all of our communities, we human beings cherish our young ones. However, few people are aware of the number of children’s lives lost every single flu season. Losing even one child to the flu is devastating to medical care-givers. Losing 189 is almost unspeakable. And yet, under-reported. Of course, we know everyone is focused on the coronavirus right now. But let us not lose sight of the significance of the flu… especially the pediatric flu.
Pediatric Flu: 2019-2020 Season Break-Down
Please, Protect Your Child From Influenza As Well As Coronavirus.
Among the 189 reported let’s look at the age ranges within the pediatric flu death statistics:
- 42% (80) of the deaths occurred in children younger than 5 years old. Please also note that 11 occurred in children younger than 6 months and thus too young to get a flu vaccine
- Children 5-17 years old, made up 58% of those deaths. That’s 109 school children. Think of that next time you see two school buses lined up. That is about 109 children.
- Perhaps we should tell you that, “Of the 176 pediatric deaths among children with known information on medical conditions, only 77 (44%) had a pre-existing medical condition.”
- Look out for strain B. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were attributed to influenza B infections. (You might know there are actually two types of B. They are known as Yamagata and Victoria.)
Pediatric Flu and You
We bring you these tragic numbers, not to scare you but to remind you of how critical it is to vaccinate your child. Flu shots are a family affair. Thus far, the year of 2019-2020 has not reflected much awareness of this fact. Additionally, we at FLASS know that “In 2019-2020, only 21 percent of children eligible for flu vaccination were fully vaccinated. Sadly, this percentage evokes the records of previous past seasons.
We must repeat, “CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially children who are younger than 5 years of age or children of any age who have a high-risk medical condition.” You see, children who have high-risk medical conditions often develop serious flu complications that result in hospitalization and death…”
Getting a flu shot is your child’s first, best protection against flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, and missed school days —not to mention hospitalization and death in children.
Please, Make Time for Flu Shots—Especially for Children
Pediatric Flu Complications Are Both Scary and Miserable. So, Protect Your Child.
The CDC has filed Pediatric Flu deaths since 2004. Since that time, would you believe, the range of pediatric flu-related deaths has gone as low as 37? It has also gone to our current total of 189 deaths. For comparison, take a look at the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, from April 2009 to September 2010. In that terrible time, the CDC recorded 358 flu deaths in children.
FLASS counts any pediatric death from a vaccine-preventable illness. At the same time, the CDC statistics in this report are probably underestimated. They admit this on their own website.
For example, even though the reported number of deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season was 188. The “CDC estimates the actual number was closer to 600.” We cannot help but conjecture that the number of 189 children’s deaths from this flu season is actually also higher as well.
Pediatric Flu: Prevent it Now– Two Ways!
First, protect your children from the flu every flu season. The best way to ensure their protection is to make sure they get the flu shot.
- “For children who will need two doses of flu vaccine, the first dose should be given as early in the season as possible. For other children, it is good practice to get them vaccinated by the end of October.” However, getting vaccinated later can still be protective if flu viruses are still circulating—for example, today.
- The second way to prevent your children from becoming victims of pediatric flu statistics is closely related to the protection you are giving them from Covid-19. “In addition to getting a flu shot, children and caregivers of young children should take everyday preventive actions…”
You are very aware of the CDC recommendations on this point. The precautions for every-day sicknesses are the same as the best practices against the Covid-19 virus. You know the FLASS Slate of Rules:
- Mask up,
- Keep social distance.
- Cover your coughs properly.
- Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.
- And finally, keep your travels minimal. This will depend on the infections in your area.
Introducing A New Blog Feature: The Holiday Inspirational Quote
A New FLASS Tradition: An Inspirational Holiday Quote.
Although our seasonal Thanksgiving is over, let us not lose the feeling that gratitude is our attitude. As we approach the coming holidays of joy and light, let us stop to pause and reflect on this week’s FLASS HOLIDAY QUOTATION: