That is the one influenza-associated pediatric dying reported for the 2023-2024 influenza season to date, in accordance with the Maine CDC.
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Middle for Illness Prevention and Management (CDC) introduced Friday it has recognized a toddler dying related to influenza.
In line with a information launch issued by the Maine CDC, that is the one influenza-associated pediatric dying reported for the 2023-2024 influenza season to date.
The Maine CDC reported the kid examined optimistic for influenza B Victoria.
Influenza is at its highest ranges of circulation all through the state between early October and mid-Could, however that does not imply you’ll be able to’t catch it year-round.
Following the kid’s reported dying, the Maine CDC is urging clinicians to encourage annual influenza vaccination in all youngsters six months and older who haven’t got contradictions, stay conscious that respiratory signs may be attributable to the flu at any time of yr, and think about flu testing and therapy in sufferers who’ve respiratory signs at any time of yr.
“Influenza sickness is extra harmful than the widespread chilly for kids,” the discharge said. “Annually, hundreds of thousands of youngsters get sick with seasonal influenza; 1000’s of youngsters are hospitalized, and a few youngsters die from influenza.”
It’s normal for kids to wish medical care as a result of influenza, particularly youngsters who’re youthful than 5. About 80 p.c of youngsters who die nationally due to the flu are usually not totally vaccinated, the Maine CDC stated. Moreover, about half of influenza-related deaths happen in youngsters who haven’t any underlying medical issues.
“Getting vaccinated has been proven to scale back influenza sicknesses, medical visits, missed college days, and the danger of influenza-related hospitalization and dying in youngsters,” the discharge stated. “Even when vaccinated youngsters get sick, vaccination has been proven to scale back sickness severity.”
It is much more vital for kids below the age of 5 who’ve sure medical issues to obtain flu vaccinations, as they’re at a better danger of growing critical influenza-related problems that may result in hospitalization and dying, in accordance with the Maine CDC.
As of Friday, the Maine CDC stated flu exercise in Maine is low, however circumstances proceed to be reported, particularly of the influenza B Victoria pressure in current weeks.
The Maine CDC has reported flu-related deaths in six youngsters since 2019, and the U.S. CDC has reported 609 flu-related deaths in youngsters nationally inside that very same interval.
“Throughout the 2023–2024 influenza surveillance season, which ended Could 18, 2024, Maine CDC adopted up on 75 outbreaks of influenza, services reported over 663 people hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, and influenza was listed as a reason for dying on 53 dying certificates,” the discharge said.
The Maine CDC recommends the next ideas to assist maintain you and others secure from the flu:
Wash your arms: Each the general public and well being care suppliers ought to wash their arms frequentlyCover your cough: Use tissues, or cough into your sleeveStay dwelling when you’re sick: Symptomatic people ought to keep dwelling till signs have improved and fever has resolved for twenty-four hours with out the usage of medicationsGet vaccinated: The Maine CDC recommends clinicians counsel sufferers on the significance of getting vaccinated annually throughout flu season for everybody aged six months and older, particularly these at excessive danger of great problems
Youngsters below the age of 19 can obtain a flu vaccine for gratis by the state. For extra info, contact the Maine Immunization Program at 800-867-4775 or immunizeme.dhhs@maine.gov.
It is also vital to contemplate accessible therapy choices for influenza.
“Early antiviral therapy can cut back influenza morbidity and mortality,” the discharge stated. “Early antiviral therapy works greatest. Remedy could provide profit when began as much as 4–5 days after symptom onset in hospitalized sufferers.”
Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza are authorised antivirals for influenza, in accordance with the Maine CDC.
Mother and father ought to search speedy medical care if their youngster is experiencing any of the next signs:
Problem or adjustments in breathingBluish lips or faceChest painDehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)Not alert or interacting when awakeSeizuresFever above 104°FFever or cough that enhance however then return or worsenWorsening of persistent medical circumstances
For extra details about the flu, click on right here. To view Maine CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance stories, click on right here.
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