A spike in influenza cases has brought a horror start to flu season, killing two school-aged children this month and sending more Australian kids to hospital.
Rise in Influenza Cases Leads to Rare Complications in Children
In a worrying trend, a spike in influenza cases across Australia is leading to the development of rare complications in children. The early flu season has already claimed the lives of two school-aged children this month and has resulted in an increased number of hospital admissions.
The sudden surge in influenza B cases, which had been relatively dormant due to the pandemic, is causing particular concern. Influenza B infections are known to be more common in children and can cause complications that require hospitalization or can even lead to death.
These influenza-associated complications contribute significantly to the disease burden in children. Recognized high-risk groups are particularly vulnerable to developing complications. Chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, heart conditions, or seizures can exacerbate the severity of influenza in children.
In addition to influenza, an unseasonal early surge of other respiratory viruses among babies and toddlers has caught doctors off guard and raised concerns about the coming months. This ‘tripledemic’ of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 is putting a strain on healthcare resources and causing anxiety among parents and caregivers.
Neurologic complications from influenza, although rare, can also be severe in children. Therefore, it’s essential for parents and healthcare providers to be familiar with the clinical presentation of these complications.
Public health officials urge parents to get their children vaccinated against the flu and to seek medical attention if flu symptoms persist or worsen. They also recommend good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, to prevent the spread of the virus. Queensland Health is now providing free Flu vaccines to Queenslanders as part of a government initiative.
This alarming rise in influenza cases and their associated complications underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children.
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