Six Influenza Related Deaths Reported

While the 2023-2024 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is accelerating, influenza infections have already caused significant mortalities in the U.S.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Surveillance data available on August 17, 2023, reported that 6.1% of the deaths during week #32 were due to pneumonia, influenza, and/or COVID-19.

Among the deaths reported during week #32, six listed influenza as an underlying or contributing cause of death on the death certificate.

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the total number of influenza pediatric deaths for this flu season has reached 168.

Furthermore, 1.3% of patient visits reported were due to respiratory illness, including fever, cough, or sore throat.

An analysis published by the Journal of Infectious Diseases on August 1, 2023, found the risk of flu-related intensive care admission was seven-time greater in unvaccinated people in certain countries.

The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for most people six months of age to reduce future deaths.

Updated flu shots are available, over 100 million so far, in health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S. Last flu season, about 173 million flu shots were distributed in the U.S.

The CDC encourages influenza vaccinations before and during the flu season.

Note: The CDC stated on August 18, 2023, the data presented are preliminary and may change as more data are received and processed.