20th Influenza-associated Pediatric Death Reported

As the 2023 flu season draws to a close, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that seasonal influenza activity is elevated and above baseline in all 10 HHS Regions.

And outpatient respiratory illness is above baseline nationally for the eighth consecutive week.

As of December 29, 2023, the CDC confirmed a total of 20 pediatric deaths have occurred during the 2023-2024 season.

Last flu season, the CDC reported 183 pediatric deaths.

The CDC also estimated that there have been at least a total of 4,500 deaths from flu so far this season.

To reduce the health risks from the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading. 

Vaccination in late December 2023 can still provide benefits into 2024.

The good news is that over 155 million flu shots have been distributed in the U.S. this season. These egg, cell, and nasal-based flu shots remain available at most pharmacies.