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NATCHEZ — On Friday, the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the first pediatric flu death of the 2024-2025 flu season.

While the MSDH doesn’t provide specifics on age, gender, or location, the department was quick to point out that the child who died had not received a flu vaccine.

The report drives home the seriousness of the influenza virus and its threat to children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

In the moderately severe -2024 flu season, more than 200 pediatric flu deaths were reported nationwide. That same season saw 40 million flu-related illnesses nationwide, including 470,000 hospitalizations and some 28,000 flu-related deaths.

And this flu season promises to be just as dangerous. This season, Mississippi and Louisiana have been flagged as having high infection rates of respiratory illnesses and the flu.

It’s likely that you – or someone you know – has been battling flu-like symptoms or sickness in recent weeks. While flu season typically peaks January through March, here in the Miss-Lou we’ve been hearing anecdotal complaints about the spread of viruses for weeks – with no let down in sight.

The good news is that it’s not too late to obtain a flu vaccine, if you haven’t already done so.

“Vaccination is the best protection against flu and the severe outcomes from flu infection,” says State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson, “All individuals 6 months of age and older are recommended to get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine this season.”

The full benefit of the immunity takes about two weeks after the shot is received, but it will last for the remainder of the season and into the fall.

Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at County Health Departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.msdh.ms.gov/vfc.

Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers.

So please take every precaution possible for yourself and your loved ones this flu season.