Virginia Department of Health announces first pediatric flu death of the 2023-24 season – 13newsnow.com WVEC

NORFOLK, Va. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the state's first reported pediatric death linked to influenza for the 2023-24 flu season.

The VDH said the child was between 5 and 12 years old and was in Virginia's Eastern region, which includes Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. To protect the family's privacy, the VDH offered no other details about the child's death.

"We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken-hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time," State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton said in a news release on Thursday. "Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them."

According to the latest data from the VDH, the Commonwealth is seeing very highflu activity. Unsurprisingly, many of the cases they are seeing are sick children. Data shows nearly 15% of patients are 4 years old and younger.

The VDH investigated seven flu outbreaks last week, three of which happened in K-12 schools.

Dr. Elizabeth Broderick told 13News Now that shes seen an increase in flu, strep, and RSV patients in her office at the Childrens Clinic.

In the last, Id say four weeks, for us, flu has really kicked in. And the kids looked so pitiful You can tell they feel terrible," she said.

Dr. Broderick said there are a few easy ways to protect yourself from getting the flu.

First, stay vigilant in washing your hands. She also said if youre going to be in a crowded place, its not a bad idea to mask up, especially if youre high risk.

Dr. Broderick said the best protection is to get the flu vaccine.

To a pediatrician, one childs death is too many. So, were all about prevention. Use your seatbelt, use a car seat, wear a bike helmet, get a flu vaccine every year, she said.

The CDC recommends flu vaccines for everyone six months and older. To find a flu vaccine near you, visit this website and enter your location or contact your local health department.

More information on the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory diseases can be found on the VDH's website.

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Virginia Department of Health announces first pediatric flu death of the 2023-24 season - 13newsnow.com WVEC