Unvaccinated Kentucky child dies from flu, state health cabinet says

A Kenton County child who had not been vaccinated against the flu this season has died from influenza, Kentucky’s first pediatric flu death this season, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced Tuesday. 

This comes as Kentucky is experiencing a higher rate of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for the flu among children younger than 5 than in 2024, according to the cabinet. 

“Team Kentucky is deeply saddened by the loss of a child to influenza,” the cabinet’s secretary, Dr. Steven Stack, said in a statement “Our hearts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. This is a heartbreaking reminder that the flu is not always a mild illness, especially for young children and people with high-risk medical conditions.”  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky Department for Public Health and other health organizations say that most everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. There are rare exceptions to that guidance, including for those with allergies to vaccine ingredients. 

Search for vaccines by ZIP code at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/. Vaccines are generally available at pharmacies and health care clinics around Kentucky. 

“While flu activity is increasing across Kentucky, there are proven steps families can take to protect their loved ones,” Dr. John Langefeld, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said in a statement. “The flu vaccine is safe, effective and widely available. It is the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.”

According to the cabinet, “most” flu and COVID-19 cases are mild but some symptoms signal more serious cases that need medical attention. Those symptoms include difficulty breathing, seizures, bluish lips or face, fevers higher than 104 degrees, coughing that improves but then comes back or gets worse, and dehydration, according to the cabinet.

Young children, adults older than 65 and immunocompromised or chronically ill people are most at risk for serious flu cases.

The cabinet also recommends people take general precautions against illnesses like flu: Wash hands with soap and warm water, cover coughs and sneezes and stay at home from work or school when sick.