A sixth child in Michigan has died from the flu, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The victim was a resident within the Branch Hillside Community Health Agency’s jurisdiction.
The state is experiencing “very high” Influenza-like Illnesses activity level, with 114 nationwide pediatric deaths reported so far this year. Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2, are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu.
Pediatric death rates are relatively rare, but vaccination can significantly reduce the risk. As of March 1, about 2.7 million Michiganders have received the flu vaccine, with a goal to vaccinate 4 million residents this season. The CDC reports that 80% of pediatric deaths occur in unvaccinated children.
Residents are encouraged to discuss vaccination risks and benefits with their providers or public health nurses, and take preventative measures such as staying home when ill, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing masks when necessary.
Source: https://wwmt.com/news/state/pediatric-flu-deaths-michigan-branch-hillside-community-health-agency-michigan-department-health-human-services