North Dakota has experienced its first child flu deaths since 2016, prompting health officials to urge residents to be vigilant for symptoms of influenza. This flu season has seen a total of five influenza-associated deaths, including two children under the age of ten, a significant increase that has raised concerns among health authorities.
Dr. Michelle Dethloff from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services stated that while child deaths from flu remain rare, the current season has been marked by an alarming rise in cases. As of January 3, 2024, over 5,000 flu cases have been reported across the state, with a notable spike of 1,727 cases during the week of Christmas.
Symptoms and Risks for Children
According to Dr. Justin Reisenauer, chief medical officer at Sanford Health, parents of young children may find it challenging to identify symptoms due to their limited ability to communicate discomfort. He emphasized that signs of flu in children can include fewer wet diapers, dark urine, and a lack of tears when crying, all of which could indicate dehydration.
In addition, parents should be alert for increased fussiness, lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing. “If you notice rib flaring, nostril flaring, or abnormal belly movements while a child is trying to breathe, those are indications of respiratory distress,” Reisenauer explained. He recommends seeking medical attention if these symptoms occur.
Vaccination and Public Health Measures
State data indicates a troubling trend, with hospitalizations due to influenza rising alongside declining vaccination rates. Approximately 25% of North Dakotans have received a flu vaccine this season, down from over 30% in the previous season. The elderly population, particularly those over 65, represents the highest vaccination rate.
Despite the decline, it is not too late for residents to get vaccinated. Dr. Josh Honeyman, an emergency medicine physician at Essentia Health in Fargo, reiterated that individuals can still receive the vaccine even after experiencing flu symptoms. While influenza A is currently the predominant strain, he cautioned that influenza B may become more prevalent later in the season.
“Those who have already been ill with one strain could still be susceptible to another,” Honeyman noted, advising that individuals should wait until they feel better before getting vaccinated. Dethloff added that the vaccine provides coverage for both strains of the virus.
Although the number of new cases may be showing signs of decline, Dethloff warned that a second wave of infections is possible, as the flu season can extend into April or May. Other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and RSV, are circulating but at lower levels than influenza.
To mitigate the spread of flu, health officials remind the public to stay home when sick, practice good hygiene, and cover coughs. The current situation underscores the importance of awareness and preventive measures as North Dakota navigates its challenging flu season.
This article was originally published by NorthDakotaMonitor.com.
