CT DPH Confirms Season's First Influenza Deaths

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Public Health has confirmed the first two deaths of residents caused by influenza this season.

The first flu death occurred in an adult, 90-99 years old, who died in September. The second flu death was of an infant less than 1-year-old old that occurred during October.

"This is a tragic reminder that the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season is here. As we approach the holiday season and people spend more time indoors, I strongly encourage all Connecticut residents to make sure they are up-to-date on their seasonal vaccines, particularly older individuals and those with multiple medical conditions," said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.

The announcement came at a news conference Wednesday morning where Governor Ned Lamont received his COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

DPH's current vaccine and prevention guidance regarding respiratory viral diseases is:

• Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine.
• Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Adults 60 years of age and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo). A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—RSV season.

Residents can receive their vaccines from their health care provider, a retail pharmacy, or at other nearby vaccination locations.

The spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also be prevented through proper respiratory virus etiquette, according to state health officials. These practices include handwashing, remaining home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and masking if you have any respiratory symptoms.

The Federal Government is once again offering four free COVID-19 self-tests per household, which may be reserved online here. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants, DPH said Wednesday.

More information about respiratory viral diseases is available at the CT DPH online portal here.