Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-Public Health) officials last week reported the first pediatric flu-associated death of the 2024-25 season.
According to a May 15 news release, a Coachella Valley teen died from a flu-related illness in late March. The teen was not believed to have any underlying health conditions, and a record of flu vaccination could not be located.
“We are committed to continuing our efforts to partner with the community to prevent further tragedies like this one,” Public Health Officer Dr. Chevinsky said in the release. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the spread of infectious diseases through vaccination and hygiene practices.”
Barbara Cole, director for disease control with Public Health, said in an interview with The Riverside Record that determining the cause of death can take time.
“The physician that’s certifying the death determines the cause of death,” she said. “They have their protocol for determining our role.”
Once the certifying physician determines that the death was flu-associated, Public Health is notified, so the death can be recorded and reported.
“Influenza, of course, is not a new virus, and people unfortunately die from influenza,” Cole said. “The best, biggest messaging is the importance of vaccination.”
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 227 reported pediatric deaths from flu-related illnesses nationwide — the highest number in 15 years. In California, there have been 25 total pediatric deaths related to flu, according to the California Department of Public Health.
According to the CDC, among those who were eligible for the vaccine and with known vaccine status, 90% of reported pediatric deaths in the United States occurred in children who were not vaccinated against influenza.
“Getting the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect both children and adults from influenza.” Chevinsky said. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we’ve ever had to protect our communities from preventable illness and helps us stay healthy so we can keep doing the activities we enjoy.”
Most who get the flu will recover in less than two weeks, but some will develop complications such as pneumonia. If a child who has the flu is experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, severe muscle pain, dehydration or ribs pulling in with each breath, immediate medical care should be sought.
Flu season typically runs October to April in Southern California, but people can contract the virus at any time of the year.
“The key is not to think, ‘Is it flu season, but is there the opportunity for respiratory viruses to be circulating,’” Cole said. “Often in wintertime, people are indoors, but it can happen anytime. So see your healthcare provider, discuss influenza vaccination, and listen to the provider if they feel you should have it or not.”
More information can be found here on the RUHS-Public Health website.
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