Dallas County Health Officials Report Pediatric Flu Death
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dallas County Health and Human Services on Thursday reported the season's first flu-related pediatric death. Due to confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, the young patient has only been identified by officials as a 2-month-old baby.
The small child was actually under the recommended age for receiving an annual flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise parents to get their kids vaccinated starting at 6 months old, with only rare exceptions. Those with flu vaccine concerns should discuss options with their primary healthcare providers.
The flu vaccine typically protects against multiple flu strains. The CDC has estimated that this season's vaccine was nearly 60 percent effective, comparable to similar flu seasons of the past. "It's good news," stated Dr. Joseph Breese with the CDC, "and underscores the importance and the benefit of both annual and ongoing vaccination efforts."
Medical officials generally regard the flu vaccine as the best way to prevent the sickness.
"Flu activity this season started a bit later and has been lower so far than we've seen during the previous three seasons," added Breese, "but activity is still on the upswing and expected to continue for several weeks."
Over the course of just one week in January, flu cases in Dallas County jumped up by more than 50 percent.
The adult vaccine is available at the DCHHS building's adult immunization clinic, located at 2377 North Stemmons Freeway, while the child vaccine can be found at all DCHHS clinics. Facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and appointments are not necessary. Call 214-819-2162 for more information.