Virginia's health department has reported the first death of a child this flu season due to complications from influenza. For privacy, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) stated the child was age 4 or younger, and the death occurred in the state's eastern region.
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton expressed sympathy for the family in a news release. She urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, noting that the flu can cause serious illness and death, and that vaccination protects both oneself and others.
Lisa Sollot, VDH respiratory disease program coordinator, affirmed that flu vaccination is still beneficial. She indicated that this season's late start in December, compared to the usual October/November, provided additional time for vaccination, while anticipating a potential increase in flu activity. Sollot emphasized the flu vaccine as the primary method of protection and advised public health precautions, including staying home when ill, avoiding sick individuals, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and frequent handwashing.
Sollot noted that flu season has become less predictable since the onset of COVID-19. She described this season's atypical pattern: activity began in December, rapidly climbed to near last year's peak, and then quickly declined. She cautioned that this decline might not be sustained, suggesting a potential future surge in activity and reinforcing the importance of prevention.
The VDH reported that less than 30% of eligible Virginians have received a flu vaccine this season. Information on providers is available on the department's website. Currently, the VDH classifies respiratory illness levels as "moderate," with over 18.6% of emergency department visits linked to viral illnesses. Virginia health officials also noted that the previous flu season was the deadliest on record for children nationally.