Flu Hospitalizations Among Children Surge
The rate of children hospitalized for the flu has skyrocketed since the start of the year, alarming doctors. The number of hospitalized kids jumped from 959 on January 4 to 2,348 on February 1, a 145% increase.
This surge makes this flu season one of the worst in recent history. 86 children have died from the illness so far this year.
The cause of the increase is unclear, but declining vaccination rates could be a factor. Less than half of U.S. children have gotten the flu shot this season, down from previous years.
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. While the vaccine may not prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of symptoms and hospitalizations.
"The best thing a parent can do to protect their family is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated," said Dr. O'Leary. "It's not too late for this season.
6 Comments
The Truth
Let's be grateful for our healthcare system and the people who work hard to keep us healthy.
Answer
This is heartbreaking. My prayers go out to the families who have lost a child to the flu.
Michelangelo
This is heartbreaking. My prayers go out to the families who have lost a child to the flu.
The Truth
Our children are precious. Let's do everything we can to protect them from this terrible disease.
Raphael
Our children are precious. Let's do everything we can to protect them from this terrible disease.
Leonardo
Let's stay positive and hopeful. We will get through this together.