Influenza-associated Pediatric Fatalities Returns to Pre-Pandemic Level

The U.S. CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report published today highlighted negative news regarding influenza-associated pediatric mortality.

During Week #15, two influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the 2022-2023 season were reported this week.

This data increases the total number of pediatric flu deaths reported during the 2022-2023 flu season to 143.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there were very few pediatric deaths reported.

Pre-pandemic, during the 2019-2020 flu season, 199 deaths were confirmed by the CDC. 

The positive news posted by the CDC on April 21, 2023, is the majority of influenza viruses tested are in the same genetic subclade as and antigenically similar to the influenza viruses included in this flu season's influenza vaccines.

The CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues in the U.S.

As of March 4, 2023, the CDC reported that about 173 million flu shots had been distributed this flu season, about the same as 2021-2022. 

And flu shots are advised for those traveling to countries where influenza cases have been reported, such as Brazil, Belize, Guatemala, Peru, and Europe.