CDC flu report: 34 children have died
Editor's note:An updated story is available at http://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/02/22/flu022219.
Flu continues to take a toll as the number of children who have died rose to 34, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Six more pediatrics deaths were reported during the week ending Feb. 8. Among all ages, the CDC estimates 11,600 to 19,100 people have died.
Flu is widespread in 48 states, and the CDC said roughly 15.4 million to 17.8 million people have gotten sick.
About 4.8% of outpatient clinic visits were for flu in the first week of February, up from 4.3% the week before.
The CDC estimates 184,000 to 221,000 people have been hospitalized. Hospitalizations are occurring at a rate of 23.8 per 100,000 people for the overall population and 36.8 per 100,000 children 4 years and under.
Flu vaccine is 61% effective for children and 47% for the overall population, according to interim data the CDC released Thursday. The effectiveness is nearly identical against influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, which has been predominant for most of the country.
The CDC and the Academy recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. Inactivated influenza vaccine is the primary vaccine choice, while quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine may be used for children who would not otherwise receive a vaccine, according to AAP policy.
