GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — The state has confirmed the first pediatric influenza-related death this flu season. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed the death Friday.
The death involved a child who contracted flu strain A (H1N1).
There have been ten influenza-associated deaths nationally this week, a total of 103 this season. That is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Michigan remains in the "very high" category for flu activity.
“These are tragedies that no family should ever have to endure,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive in a press release. “Each year influenza claims the lives of dozens of children across the United States. This is why MDHHS continues to strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and reduces illness severity if someone does get the flu.”
In West Michigan, Corewell Health is seeing an out of flu cases, as COVID and RSV cases decline. The latter two, Dr. Kira Sieplinga at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital said peaked in about December. She said the hospital system considers it a moderately severe season for influenza.
"We've had seasons that are higher rates of of admissions, however, we are slightly higher than last year and influenza certainly is contributing to the admission burden here at Cornell Health both on the east and the west," said Sieplinga.
Flu season typically begins in October and can last through spring. Sieplinga said it is not unlikely to be having a surge in late February or early March.
The virus can cause serious symptoms for some children, especially if they have any comorbidities like asthma. Sieplinga encourages parents to get medical help within 48 hours of their children experiencing high fever, muscle aches, headaches, stomach aches and cramps. Typically, pediatric patients are hospitalized with the flu for dehydration or when the virus develops into a secondary pneumonia.
"Sometimes the inflammation of the muscles can get so severe that it leads to kidney damage," said Sieplinga. "Occasionally, our pediatric patients will experience neurological symptoms such as seizures or inflammation of the brain."
Nationally, she said, about 88% of chidden who have died of flu-related illness were not vaccinated.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. As cases increase in Michigan, state health leaders urge anyone six months or older to get a flu shot.
For the 2023-2024 season, only 25.1% of Michiganders are vaccinated against the flu. It's lower for children, at only 19.2% vaccinated.
"Unfortunately, it looks like those vaccine rates dropped off during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained lower than they were pre-pandemic, which is unfortunate.," said Bagdasarian, "I think some of that has to do with misinformation about vaccines in general."
Avoid being around other people when sick; stay home if you are not feeling well. Also, wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes and face during the day to prevent the spread of the flu.
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