NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) reported the first flu-related child death this season.
The death was reported during the week of Jan. 26. Since this flu season started in Oct. 2024, there have been 38 outbreaks, which the TDH classifies as two or more sick people in a shared setting.
“We’re one of the top five states as far as influenza illnesses in the country right now,” Dr. James Antoon, assistant professor of pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, said.
According to a map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tennessee is in the highest tier of the “very high” activity level for flu-like illness for the week ending on Feb. 1. The TDH report said the number of outpatient visits and positive flu tests have trended upwards.
“Influenza, oftentimes, will start with an abrupt onset of symptoms,” Antoon said. “Relatively quickly, you’ll have high fevers, muscle aches, respiratory symptoms. Children oftentimes will have vomiting or diarrhea [and] GI issues a little bit more than adults do.”
Antoon said if you or your child are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, it’s best to stay home and get tested.
“Unlike other viruses, we have antiviral treatments for influenza, and they work better the earlier you start them,” Antoon added.
According to Antoon, washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask when you’re sick can help prevent illness from spreading. He also said it’s not too late in the flu season to get vaccinated.
“We know that those who are vaccinated are less likely to get flu with symptoms and they’re less likely to pass on their flu to those in the household,” Antoon said. “When you do have flu with symptoms and you’re vaccinated, you’re less likely to be hospitalized than those who are not vaccinated.”
