Two Virginia children die from flu, mark first pediatric deaths this flu season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Two Virginia children have died after they got sick with the flu, according to the Virginia Health Department (VDH), marking the first two pediatric influenza deaths in the state during the 2024-25 flu season. The two children were an Eastern Virginia child between the ages of 5 and 12 and a Central Virginia teenager between 13 and 17 years old. “With a heavy heart, the Virginia Department of Health mourns the loss of two young lives," said Karen Shelton, the State Health Commissioner with the VDH. "Our sympathies go out to the families during this difficult time. These losses are a sad reminder that while flu is common, it can be associated with serious illness and even death.” The VDH gave these tips to prevent the flu: If you feel sick, stay home. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Do not cough or sneeze into your open hand. If you are over six months old, you should get a flu vaccine annually. According to the VDH, people who are at a higher risk of complications due to the flu should seek medical treatment if they start to experience symptoms. Antiviral treatment, if recommended, works best within the first two days after symptoms begin. ‘A stomach bug, but 10 times’: Norovirus cases on the rise in Virginia Respiratory illnesses overall have been at a moderate level in Virginia as of Saturday, Jan. 18, with just over 17% of emergency room visits a result of respiratory illness. Seasonal flu has been on the rise and the largest number of emergency room visits for flu are among children. Vaccination coverage in Virginia for the flu is low across the board. According to the VDH, only 30% of Virginians reported receiving a flu vaccine this season. Vaccines can help protect people from the serious health effects of flu viruses. During a recent study during the 2023-24 season, the flu vaccination was estimated to have prevented: 8 million flu-related illnesses 8 million flu-related medical visits 120,000 flu-related hospitalizations 7,900 flu-related deaths With the flu on the rise, getting a flu vaccine now is highly advised, if you haven't already. For more information on getting a flu vaccine near you, visit the VDH’s website.

Jan 28, 2025 - 03:00

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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Two Virginia children have died after they got sick with the flu, according to the Virginia Health Department (VDH), marking the first two pediatric influenza deaths in the state during the 2024-25 flu season.

The two children were an Eastern Virginia child between the ages of 5 and 12 and a Central Virginia teenager between 13 and 17 years old.

“With a heavy heart, the Virginia Department of Health mourns the loss of two young lives," said Karen Shelton, the State Health Commissioner with the VDH. "Our sympathies go out to the families during this difficult time. These losses are a sad reminder that while flu is common, it can be associated with serious illness and even death.”

The VDH gave these tips to prevent the flu:

If you feel sick, stay home.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Do not cough or sneeze into your open hand.
If you are over six months old, you should get a flu vaccine annually.

According to the VDH, people who are at a higher risk of complications due to the flu should seek medical treatment if they start to experience symptoms. Antiviral treatment, if recommended, works best within the first two days after symptoms begin.

‘A stomach bug, but 10 times’: Norovirus cases on the rise in Virginia

Respiratory illnesses overall have been at a moderate level in Virginia as of Saturday, Jan. 18, with just over 17% of emergency room visits a result of respiratory illness.

Seasonal flu has been on the rise and the largest number of emergency room visits for flu are among children.

Vaccination coverage in Virginia for the flu is low across the board. According to the VDH, only 30% of Virginians reported receiving a flu vaccine this season.

Vaccines can help protect people from the serious health effects of flu viruses. During a recent study during the 2023-24 season, the flu vaccination was estimated to have prevented: