The State Department of Health recently announced the influenza death of a state resident under the age 18.

This is the first death of a child from influenza in Hawai’i the current flu season. The child was hospitalized at the time of death. No further information about the child is being released.

Hawai’i’s last pediatric death from influenza occurred in January 2020. In the prior 10 years, Hawai’i has recorded 6 pediatric deaths due to influenza. During the height of the pandemic, Hawai’i experienced very low rates of flu in residents of all ages. “The restrictions we put in place for COVID-19 protected us from other respiratory viruses as well,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble in a press release. Dr Kemble continued, “That’s likely the reason there were no pediatric influenza deaths during the last three years.”

Vaccines provide protection against the impacts of certain infectious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.  The DOH encourages anyone who is not up-to-date, or is unsure whether they are up-to-date, to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

Many respiratory viruses are circulating in Hawai’i this winter, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Symptoms are similar, and it’s usually not possible to tell one from another without a test. Those at highest risk, including those with underlying health conditions — the elderly, infants, and anyone experiencing severe symptoms — should seek healthcare promptly, for testing and treatment as needed.

More information about influenza and other respiratory diseases is available at  https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/.