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Although it is only late September, we're starting to see scattered reports of flu around the country - including 2 deaths reported this week in California. Flu viruses circulate year-round, but become far more prevalent in the fall and winter months.
This week I rolled up my sleeve for the 15th consecutive year to get my seasonal jab, and am hopefully now building an army of antibodies to help protect me through the winter.While far from perfect - given the moderate effectiveness of the quadrivalent seasonal flu against both influenza B lineages - it makes sense to grab whatever protection I can get. Much like always wearing seat belts when I'm in my car; it may not guarantee I'll walk away form a wreck, but it undoubtedly increases my chances.
And as I've recently reached that dreaded `elderly' demographic, avoiding the flu may also prevent a variety of serious - potentially fatal - cardiovascular complications (see Study Suggests Flu Vaccine May Lower Stroke Risk in Elderly ICU Patients).The flu can be devastating for the youngest and healthiest among us as well. The CDC singles out Children under 5 (and especially under the age of 2) as being particularly at risk.
Influenza is dangerous for childrenThe chart below shows the pediatric flu-related deaths reported over the past 4 years. As tragic as these numbers are, they likely represent but a portion of the true burden each year.
Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu; thousands of children are hospitalized and some children die from flu. Children commonly need medical care because of flu, especially children younger than 5 years old who become sick with flu.
Complications from flu among children in this age group can include:
- Pneumonia: an illness where the lungs get infected and inflamed
- Dehydration: when a child’s body loses too much water and salts, often because fluid losses are greater than from fluid intake)
- Worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma
- Brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy
- Sinus problems and ear infections
- In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death.
- Flu seasons vary in severity, however every year children are at risk
- CDC estimates that since 2010, flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States.
- While relatively rare, some children die from flu each year. Since 2004-2005, flu-related deaths in children reported to CDC during regular flu seasons have ranged from 37 deaths to 186 deaths. Information about pediatric deaths since the 2004-2005 flu season is available in the interactive pediatric death web application.
Later today the CDC will hold a COCA Call for pediatric providers to update them on the latest prevention and treatment recommendations for children. Primarily of interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, these calls are designed to ensure that practitioners have up-to-date information for their practices.
2019–2020 Recommendations for Influenza Prevention and Treatment in Children: An Update for Pediatric Providers
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2019
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (Eastern Time)
Influenza remains a serious threat to children due to its potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. More than 125 influenza-associated deaths in children were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the 2018–2019 influenza season.
Clinicians play a critical role in taking action to immunize children, the children’s family members and caregivers, and themselves. The early use of antivirals in children can reduce the duration of symptoms and prevent serious complications of influenza. However, immunization remains the most effective way to prevent influenza illness and its complications, including death.
During this COCA call, subject matter experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC will discuss strategies pediatric providers can use to improve influenza prevention and control in children for the 2019–2020 influenza season.
If you are unable to attend this live COCA Call, it will be available on-demand a few days after the call. Free continuing education (CE) will be available until October 2021.
