New York reports record pediatric flu deaths this season

The recent spike in pediatric flu deaths in New York highlights a concerning public health crisis. According to the CDC, 216 children have succumbed to influenza this season across the United States, marking the highest number since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic . In New York specifically, reports indicate a significant rise in pediatric flu fatalities, with nine deaths recorded as of February 2025—a notable increase from just two in late January . This alarming trend raises questions about vaccination rates and public health strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that more than 47 million people nationwide caught the flu between fall and spring and that more than 600,000 have been hospitalized. The hospitalization rate for flu is the highest it has been in 15 years.

A number of factors have probably contributed to influenza’s heavy toll. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people have chosen not to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu. And some researchers believe that the mix of strains circulating this year tend to be associated with more intense flu seasons.

The largest number of children ever dying after contracting influenza — 288 — was recorded in the 2009-2010 season, which was linked to a pandemic year as the H1N1 flu virus took hold.

The CDC noted in its weekly influenza report that this is the first high severity season for flu since 2017. During the week of April 21, 12 influenza-associated deaths among children were reported.

Nationally, this flu season has seen at least 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 influenza-related deaths, according to the CDC.

People often struggle to figure out whether they actually have the flu, a cold or another type of illness. Health experts have long said that if you’re fine one minute and feel like someone ran over you the next, it’s apt to be influenza, because symptoms come on suddenly.

New York State reported geographically widespread influenza activity for the 20th consecutive week through April 26, with over 4,300 positive lab-confirmed cases that week alone. Hospitalizations and case counts declined from previous weeks, but the season has remained severe.

Experts attribute the severity of this flu season partly to declining vaccination rates among children; only 49% of children are currently vaccinated against influenza compared to 64% five years ago. This decline poses serious risks not only for individual health but also for community immunity. The implications of such high pediatric mortality rates necessitate urgent attention from healthcare policymakers and practitioners to implement effective vaccination campaigns and address barriers that hinder access to preventive care .

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Sarah H

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