A recent infant death has led the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a flu advisory.
According to the advisory, the infant tested positive for the influenza B Victoria variant. This marks the only pediatric death reported in Maine for the 2023-2024 flu season.
“Influenza illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children,” stated the Maine CDC in its advisory.
While flu season spans from early October to mid-May, Maine CDC officials urge residents to get vaccinated, wash hands regularly, and stay home when sick.
The advisory highlights that each year, millions of children contract seasonal influenza. Thousands are hospitalized, and some fatalities occur. Children, especially those under 5, often require medical attention due to the flu. Nationally, around 80% of influenza-related child deaths involve children who were not fully vaccinated. Additionally, about half of these deaths occur in children without underlying medical conditions.
