From the Guidelines
As of the latest available data, the most effective way to prevent flu deaths among pediatrics is through annual influenza vaccination, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 1. To protect children from influenza, it is crucial to follow the AAP's recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children. The AAP recommends routine influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.
- Influenza vaccination not only reduces disease burden among children but also among household members, close contacts, and community members of all ages 1.
- Children, especially those younger than 5 years and those with certain underlying medical conditions, can experience substantial morbidity, including severe or fatal complications, from influenza virus infection 1.
- In addition to vaccination, antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be prescribed for treatment of influenza in children, with dosing based on weight and age, within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Prevention measures also include regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping children home when ill.
- It is essential to note that influenza vaccination coverage decreased during the 2023–2024 influenza season, with only 53.9% of children 6 months to 17 years of age having been vaccinated 1.
- Certain groups, such as non-Hispanic Black children and children residing in rural areas, had lower influenza vaccine coverage, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve vaccination rates in these populations 1.
From the Research
Flu Deaths Among Pediatrics 2025
- There are no direct studies provided that discuss flu deaths among pediatrics in 2025.
- However, several studies discuss the prevention and treatment of influenza in children, which can help reduce the risk of flu deaths 2, 3.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age, as well as antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized, have severe or progressive disease, or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza 2, 3.
- Antiviral medications such as zanamivir, oseltamivir, and baloxavir have been shown to be effective in treating influenza and reducing the risk of complications 4, 5, 6.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found that oseltamivir may reduce mortality, hospitalization, and duration of symptoms in high-risk populations, while zanamivir may lead to shorter symptom duration and fewer hospitalizations 6.
- Another study found that zanamivir was associated with the shortest time to alleviation of influenza symptoms, while baloxavir was associated with the lowest risk of influenza-related complications 5.