Editor's note:For the latest flu coverage, visit https://www.aappublications.org/collection/influenza.
Nineteen children have died of flu this season, and young children have the second highest rate of hospitalization, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The death toll grew significantly during the week ending Dec. 14 with nine new pediatric deaths reported, some of which occurred in previous weeks. Children ages 4 and under have been hospitalized at a rate of 10.9 per 100,000 children.
Across all ages, the CDC estimates 3.7 million people have gotten sick, 32,000 have been hospitalized and 1,800 have died.
About 3.9% of outpatient clinic visits were for flu last week, which means flu has been at or above baseline for six weeks. The virus is widespread in 30 states and Puerto Rico, while 19 states and Puerto Rico have high levels of activity.
Influenza B/Victoria viruses have been most common, followed by influenza A (H1N1).
The CDC and the Academy recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu.
“Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications,” according to the CDC.
