6-12-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. — This flu season has been particularly bad, and with another flu-related child death reported last week, it is now the most deadly season for children since national reporting began in 2004, excluding the 2009 pandemic.
The CDC reports last week’s death brings the total number of children who died of flu-related illness to 172, six of whom were Washington children.
Most of the children had not been vaccinated, and while this year’s vaccine was not especially effective, the CDC says it can lessen the symptoms and length of the illness.
It’s possible the number could be higher since it can take time before results are confirmed.