
Kentucky reports first flu and
Officials with the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Friday a child in Kentucky has died from influenza. The child had not received this season's flu vaccine.Kentucky also reported its first COVID-19 pediatric death of the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season last month. Hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to influenza are increasing in Kentucky.
"Influenza is on the rise across Kentucky," said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. "Unfortunately, viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases that can be deadly to some people, including children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness and death."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine, especially children who are younger than 5 or anyone with a high-risk medical condition. Vaccinations are effective at reducing the risk of infection, hospitalization and death.
Influenza vaccination rates have been declining in recent years. Less than 17% of Kentucky children have received a flu vaccine this season, and just 2% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
"It is important for people who have not been vaccinated this season to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves and others," added Dr. Stack.
There have been widespread reports of flu and respiratory virus outbreaks and of schools closing or using nontraditional instruction days across the commonwealth due to high levels of illness.