The pediatric deaths related to the influenza have topped the 2011-2012 season numbers.
The current 2012-13 flu season pediatric deaths have been monitored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the 2003-04 flu season. The current season has reached 78 deaths among children, more than double of the 34 deaths the last season.
However, the 78 pediatric deaths is below the 2009-10 and 2010-11 numbers when 282 and 122 deaths were reported, respectively.
According to the CDC, the purpose of the pediatric mortality rate system is to monitor and describe the incidence, distribution, and basic epidemiologic characteristics of deaths among children associated with influenza virus infection, provide data to guide future influenza immunization policy, rapidly recognize influenza season during which the impact may be unusually severe among children.
The CDC has also issued a statement about the flu vaccine and its impact on the elderly. According to CDC's Influenza Division's Communications Officer Erin Burns, adults ages 65 and older who have received the flu shot are just as likely to visit the doctor as people not vaccinated.
"Aging and chronic health problems can diminish the body's ability to mount a protective immune response after influenza vaccination, which can result in lower levels of vaccine effectiveness in some older people," Burns said.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, sore throat, chills, a cough, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and potentially diarrhea and vomiting. Infants will often experience poor circulation, lethargy, swollen glands, and a lack of appetite.
According to the CDC, the preventive measures people can take from spreading the flue are:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as possible. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
- If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Related Articles:
- Influenza Virus Travels Up To Six Feet to Infect People, According to Study
- New Jersey on 'High' Alert for Influenza Activity; Fourth Child Dies as Nationwide Deaths Totals 29 Among Children
- Kids Younger than Six Months Not Allowed Flu Vaccines as 29 Children Confirmed Dead; Preventative Measures Parents Can Take
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