Information Launch: Hawai’i Section of Well being announces very first pediatric influenza dying of the season
Posted on Feb 10, 2023 in Newest Office News, Newsroom
HONOLULU, Hi – A point out resident below the age of 18 has died of influenza, the Office of Overall health (DOH) introduced currently. This dying serves as a sober reminder that influenza is circulating commonly in Hawai’i. Everyone six months of age and older can be safeguarded from influenza by receiving their flu vaccine.
This is the very first dying of a little one from influenza in Hawai’i all through this flu time. The boy or girl was hospitalized at the time of death. Out of regard for the family’s privateness and in compliance with medical privacy regulations, no more details about the kid is staying released.
“We are specially saddened to announce the death of a baby in our neighborhood. Our ideas and condolences are with the family at this hard time,” stated Condition Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink, “If you or your beloved ones have not received the flu vaccine this time, I hope you will take into consideration carrying out so.”
Vaccines present security versus the impacts of sure infectious diseases, like influenza and COVID-19. Trying to keep up to date on all advised vaccinations and boosters delivers robust defense from critical disease, hospitalization, and dying. Vaccines are commonly available statewide at pharmacies, clinics, and healthcare facilities. A record of COVID 19 and flu vaccination areas can be located at https://www.vaccines.gov/. The DOH encourages any one who is not up-to-day, or is uncertain regardless of whether they are up-to-day, to talk to with a pharmacist or health care supplier about obtaining vaccinated.
Hawai’i’s last pediatric demise from influenza occurred in January 2020. In the prior 10 a long time, Hawai’i has recorded 6 pediatric fatalities due to influenza. All through the top of the pandemic, Hawai’i skilled extremely minimal premiums of flu in residents of all ages. “The constraints we place in area for COVID-19 protected us from other respiratory viruses as nicely,” reported Point out Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble, “That’s probable the cause there have been no pediatric influenza deaths throughout the final three several years.”
Several respiratory viruses are circulating in Hawai’i this winter season, which include flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Signs are identical, and it’s typically not achievable to inform a person