Cleveland reports first influenza-related child death in flu season

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the first flu-related death in children for the 2022-2023 flu season. According to the report, the deceased 19-month-old girl was hospitalized at the time of death.

The death marks the second flu-related death of children in Cuyahoga County this season, after a 13-year-old boy died in November.

“News of any death in our community is devastating; however, we understand the enormity of losing a child, especially from the flu,” CDPH Assistant Director Brian Kimball said in a press release. “We encourage everyone six months and older to get their flu shot now if you haven’t already this season.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), available influenza vaccines appear to be “very well suited” to currently circulating influenza strains and provide “superior protection against serious illness and hospitalization due to influenza.”

The CDPH also recommends that the following precautions be taken during the current period of high COVID-19, influenza, and RSV activity:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth after touching objects, as germs spread.
• Establish good habits, such as sanitizing surfaces, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

CDPH is also offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at two Cleveland medical centers in the following days. Volunteers are welcome, and additional pre-registration for the COVID-19 vaccination can be done by calling 216-664-2222 or at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

• J. Glen Smith Medical Center, 11100 St. Clair Ave – for children from 12 years old, Wednesday and Thursday – from 9:00 to 16:00; 6 months – 11 years only on Thursdays.
• McCafferty Medical Center, 4242 Lorain Ave – for children aged 12 and over, Monday and Wednesday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; 6 months – 11 years only on Mondays.