Virginia preschooler dies due to pediatric flu, first of 2025-26 season: VDH

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A preschooler in Virginia's eastern region has died due to the pediatric flu, marking the first such death of the 2025-26 season, according to state health officials.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said on Thursday, Jan. 15, that a preschool-age child between 0 and four years old in VDH's eastern region has died from complications associated with the flu. The region covers the Three Rivers, Western Tidewater, Peninsula, Chesapeake and Eastern Shore areas.

VDH said it will not release additional information about the child to protect the family's privacy.

Of all cases in Virginia, infants and young children aged 0 to 4 years old make up the largest proportion diagnosed with flu at 18.7% or 1,279 visits during the week of Jan. 3, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Virginia sees ‘very high’ respiratory illness activity level during flu season: CDC

The Commonwealth has seen high activity levels of respiratory illness recently, but flu cases across the state are trending down. As of Jan. 10, the level of respiratory illnesses is marked as moderate in Virginia. Yet, flu season is far from over, officials said.

VDH recommends the following tips to stay safe and prevent the flu:

• Most people aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider as needed.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your open hand.
• Stay at home when you feel sick.

The 2024-25 season was the deadliest flu season for children nationwide. According to VDH, about half of the children who died from the flu did not have an underlying medical condition, and the majority of the children (89%) were not up to date with recommended flu vaccinations.