2 Flu-Related Child Deaths Confirmed: Florida Officials Stress Need For Vaccinations

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the first two pediatric deaths associated with the 2016-17 flu season. The children, a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old, both died from influenza-associated complications, the agency said.

“We are saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family and friends of these children,” State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip said in a Jan. 11 statement.

FDOH has not released information about what counties the children live in. The agency is, however, urging Floridians who have not yet done so to get their vaccinations.

“Although most people view the flu as a minimal threat, Floridians should take flu infection seriously as it can cause severe illness, even death, in some cases,” Philip said. “Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. If you have not yet received a flu shot, it is not too late.”

The state reports that flu activity is on the rise, especially among at-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

The annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to fully develop protections against the flu, FDOH's announcement said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends injectable shots over nasal sprays.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause such symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and stuffy noses, according to the CDC. While most people sickened by the flu recover within a few days to two weeks, serious complications are associated with the condition, the agency warns.

"Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications from flu, while pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either influenza virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria," the CDC explains on its website. "Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) tissues, and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure)." Sepsis is also a possible complication.

It is estimated that between 15 percent and 40 percent of the population is sickened by influenza each year, according to the FDOH website. About 36,000 American die from flu-related complications each year.

To make it easier for Florida residents to find places to get the annual vaccine, FDOH has created a dedicated webpage. FluFreeFlorida.com contains information about the flu and provides a way for people to search for locations offering the vaccination this year.

National data from the 2015-16 flu season shows that 59.3 percent of children and teens received their flu shot — unchanged from the previous season. But most adults passed on their flu shot last year. Only 41.7 percent got the vaccine — lower numbers than the CDC found in the two previous seasons.

The flu bug begins to make the rounds in October and November each year. Most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and March and can last as late as May.

The CDC also offers a tool people can use to find flu vaccine locations by Zip Code. Just enter your information below to find a clinic location:

For more information about influenza, visit FDOH online.

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