United States: The threat associated with flu or influenza has not diminished, especially for children in the US. In the midst of this, health experts and doctors across the US have been appealing to take all possible precautionary measures against the infection.

Recently, after reporting first-ever pediatric death related to influenza the health authority of Corewell Health asked the general public, especially the parents, to take safety precautions and protect their wards against the flu, which is experiencing peak presently, the reports by Michigan Public claimed.

The details regarding the same was shared by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

What do experts have to say about the first-ever death?

While informing the public about the ongoing flu season and its impact, the chief of general pediatrics at Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids – Dr Kira Sieplinga explained that the state has been dealing with a “moderately severe” flu season.

She was quoted saying, “We’ve had seasons that had higher rates of admissions. However, we are slightly higher than last year, and influenza certainly is contributing to the admission burden here at Corewell Health.”

Furthermore, she mentioned about the vaccination rate among young children, aged between the six months and 17 years. According to the data shared by the state Department of Health and Human Services, the rate was nearly 19.2 percent for this flu season. She further highlighted that this season’s vaccination rate is slightly lower than the previous year, which was nearly 21 percent. Sieplinga termed the rate as “slightly lower than usual.”

Regarding this, she mentioned, “We typically see full vaccination rates of our children in the state of Michigan for influenza around 25%. Since COVID, that coverage has decreased.”

Following this, she asked the general public to get the latest flu shot. She mentioned, “Reach out to trusted individuals who can provide answers to the questions or the fears or concerns that parents may have about giving the vaccinations to their children,” according to reports.

A threat to children!

The health expert highlighted that flu could be a threat to children and the younger population. She was quoted saying, “So the virus itself, influenza, can cause severe enough symptoms such as vomiting, stomachaches, fevers that lead to dehydration. That is often the primary reason for hospitalization,” Michigan Public reported.

“For patients who have comorbidities like asthma or other respiratory concerns, a concern that we have is that those patients develop secondary pneumonia. That is very serious and can lead to hospitalization and further support for their respiratory needs,” she continued.

While emphasizing the common signs and symptoms of the infection, the expert emphasized the along with them parent must also closely look out for signs like dehydration, muscle pain and seizures.

Is the vaccine the only way to protect the flu? 

Sieplinga further mentioned that along with flu shots, the individual must also practice basic hygiene including, “hand washing, hygiene around patients or friends or families who have sick symptoms,” she said, as per Michigan Public.

“Please consider vaccination for your children. It’s not too late,” said Sieplinga.