Michigan reports state’s first pediatric flu-related death of season

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)  last week confirmed the state’s first influenza-linked pediatric death for the 2023-2024 flu season.

The health department did not reveal the child’s age or city/county of residence, but did confirm that the child contracted Influenza A (H1N1).

“These are tragedies that no family should ever have to endure,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, in a statement. “Each year influenza claims the lives of dozens of children across the United States. This is why MDHHS continues to strongly recommend that everyone six months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and reduces illness severity if someone does get the flu.”

There have been at least 93 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported nationally this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that since October there have been at least 28-51 million flu illnesses, 13-24 million flu medical visits, 310,000-640,000 flu hospitalizations and 20,000-57,000 deaths nationally.

For the 2023-2024 flu season, only 25.1% of Michigan residents have been vaccinated against flu to-date, according to MDHHS. Once children reach six months of age, it is recommended they receive two doses of the flu vaccine for their first series. Women who are pregnant should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and their baby, the MDHHS says.

To find flu vaccine near you, call your health care provider, local health department or visit vaccines.gov. For more information about the flu, visit michigan.gov/flu.