News Releases from Division of Health and fitness

HONOLULU, Hi – A condition resident underneath the age of 18 has died of influenza, the Office of Overall health (DOH) declared nowadays. This demise serves as a sober reminder that influenza is circulating extensively in Hawai’i. Absolutely everyone six months of age and older can be shielded from influenza by getting their flu vaccine.

This is the very first loss of life of a child from influenza in Hawai’i for the duration of this flu period. The child was hospitalized at the time of death. Out of respect for the family’s privateness and in compliance with medical privateness regulations, no additional details about the boy or girl is being unveiled.

“We are primarily saddened to announce the death of a child in our group. Our thoughts and condolences are with the relatives at this challenging time,” claimed Condition Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink, “If you or your cherished ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will take into account executing so.”

Vaccines supply security versus the impacts of selected infectious disorders, which include influenza and COVID-19. Preserving up to day on all proposed vaccinations and boosters delivers solid safety from significant ailment, hospitalization, and demise. Vaccines are extensively out there statewide at pharmacies, clinics, and health care services. A checklist of COVID 19 and flu vaccination spots can be uncovered at https://www.vaccines.gov/. The DOH encourages any person who is not up-to-day, or is uncertain irrespective of whether they are up-to-day, to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare service provider about getting vaccinated.

Hawai’i’s last pediatric dying from influenza transpired in January 2020. In the prior 10 many years, Hawai’i has recorded 6 pediatric deaths owing to influenza. In the course of the peak of the pandemic, Hawai’i seasoned quite lower fees of flu in people of all ages. “The constraints we put in spot for COVID-19 protected us from other respiratory viruses as properly,” mentioned State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble, “That’s very likely the explanation there have been no pediatric influenza fatalities all through the very last a few several years.”

Numerous respiratory viruses are circulating in Hawai’i this winter season, which includes flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Signs and symptoms are similar, and it is generally not possible to convey to a single from an additional with no a exam. People at maximum chance, like people with fundamental health problems — the aged, infants, and any one dealing with extreme signs — must look for health care instantly, for tests and procedure as essential.

Much more information and facts about influenza and other respiratory health conditions is available at  https://health and fitness.hawaii.gov/docd/illness-varieties/respiratory-viruses/.

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