CDC Reports 12 Pediatric Flu Deaths This Season

The CDC FluView is the weekly reporting system for the United States influenza surveillance report. The most recent report was published on November 28, 2022, with updates for week 46, ending November 19, 2022 — the week before US Thanksgiving. This report found elevated seasonal influenza activity nationally. The CDC also noted five reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths that week, making the seasonal total 12 pediatric flu-related deaths.

The publication notes that, this week, 119,615 specimens were tested in the lab, with 18.2% returning positive. In perspective, the seasonal average, beginning on October 2, 2022, was 10.2% of specimens testing positive. In the reported week and throughout the season, Influenza A was associated with the most positive cases, making up 99.5% of positive cases in week 46. The CDC reports that influenza A (H3N2) was the most reported virus of that week.

The report also highlighted the rate of outpatient respiratory illness appointments. During week 46, 6% of outpatient visits were due to respiratory illnesses, including a cough or a sore throat. The CDC states that this is 2.5% greater than the national baseline. The highest rates were in pediatric patients up to four years old.

Regarding severe illness, the CDC reports a cumulative hospitalization rate of 11.3 hospitalizations per 100,000 individuals. During week 46 alone, there were 11,269 influenza hospitalizations.

In addition to hospitalizations, severe influenza infection also led to many deaths. The CDC states, “based on NCHS mortality surveillance data available on November 23, 2022, 9.4% of the deaths that occurred during the week ending November 19, 2022 (week 46) were due to pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19 (PIC). This percentage is above the epidemic threshold of 6.3% for this week."

Five reported deaths were in pediatric patients, raising the seasonal total to 12 pediatric deaths. Pediatric hospitals, in particular, are experiencing unparalleled burdens due to infection rates. This season has been coined the tripledemic, with pediatric rates of RSV, influenza, and COVID continuing to rise.

“Inpatient pediatric bed capacity is a huge issue right now in the metro Boston area and across the entire Northeast,” said Erin Beaumont of Cambridge Health Alliance to GBH News. “Because the beds are all full, we have to sometimes transfer kids across city lines, sometimes to other parts of the state. Even in extreme circumstances, we've had to transfer kids outside of the state, too.”

While the influenza season continues, healthcare providers and public health experts urge patients to get their flu shots and COVID vaccines if eligible. As the holidays approach, many anticipate increased infection rates; however, vaccination alongside good hygiene and public health practices may mitigate the risk of disease spread and severe illness.