B.C. health officer says child flu deaths are ‘tragic,’ but rare

B.C.’s provincial health officer has provided more details about the six children that died last month of influenza, as well as some advice to parents worried about their kids.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said it’s important to know that death associated with influenza in previously healthy children continues to be rare.

“The children who died included one who was younger than five years old, three who were between five and nine, and two adolescents who were between 15 and 19,” Hery said on Friday. “Death associated with influenza in previously healthy children is a tragic, but rare event and is especially rare in school-age children and teens.”

Henry added the early indications are that some of the six children experienced secondary bacterial infections contributing to severe illness, which can be a complication of the flu.

“Public-health officials are monitoring the situation closely, and we urge everyone to do their part by taking steps to protect yourself, your children and loved ones against the flu,” Henry stated.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control had some positive news, saying although test positivity remains high for both influenza and RSV, the numbers around B.C. have levelled off in the past week.

Dr. Henry called this an “unusual season with unusual characteristics,” including an early and intense surge in cases, adding updates on pediatric influenza-related deaths will be posted weekly as part of the respiratory surveillance summaries on the BCCDC website (see below for more).

“You can take measures to prevent influenza and to treat those at higher risk of severe complications. Vaccination remains our best defence,” Henry remarked.

Henry noted all children six months and older, can get a free flu shot.

“This is particularly important for children at highest individual risk of severe outcomes, including those with chronic medical conditions, those who need to take Aspirin or ASA for long periods of time, children who are very obese, infants and toddlers.”

Henry said most children that get the flu and other respiratory viruses typically recover safely at home without the need for medical intervention.

“For children at high risk of severe complications, parents should consider talking to their care provider about early access to an anti-viral drug called oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is most effective against influenza if started within 12 hours, and ideally not later than 48 hours after illness onset,” she advised.

Henry stated parents of children should seek care if their child experiences difficulty breathing, or if their child’s fever goes away and comes back or persists longer than five days.

“This may indicate a possible bacterial infection,” Henry said.

More information:

To view the weekly pediatric influenza-related deaths, click here.

To learn more about the influenza vaccines, click here.