The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – The Virginia Department of Health on Thursday reported the first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2025-26 flu season, a preschool-aged child in the agency’s Eastern Region, and urged Virginians to get vaccinated as respiratory illnesses remain elevated statewide.
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, expressed condolences to the family and emphasized the seriousness of influenza, which can lead to severe illness and death even in otherwise healthy individuals. The child’s name and further identifying details were withheld to protect the family’s privacy.
“Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illnesses and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so, not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them,” Shelton said in a statement.
VDH officials said flu activity, while trending down in recent weeks, “is far from over.” As of Jan. 10, respiratory illness activity in Virginia was at a moderate level, with emergency departments reporting that 5.4% of visits-4,676 visits-were attributed to influenza during the most recent reporting period, according to the department’s respiratory illness dashboard.
Outbreaks have significantly affected day cares, pre-K programs, schools, and long-term care facilities, officials said. Health officials reported that Influenza A (H3N2) viruses are the most frequently detected this season in Virginia. A newly identified H3N2 subclade, dubbed “subclade K,” differs from the H3 component included in this year’s vaccine. While vaccine effectiveness against this subclade may be reduced, the current vaccine is still expected to protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, and it continues to protect against other circulating strains, VDH said.
Coverage remains low. Less than 30% of eligible Virginians have received a flu shot so far this season, according to VDH. Officials called vaccination “particularly important,” especially for those at higher risk of complications, and urged residents who have not yet been vaccinated to do so now, noting that vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, medical offices, some federally qualified health centers, and local health departments.
Who is at higher risk? VDH and CDC guidance identify numerous groups at increased risk for severe influenza, for whom prompt antiviral treatment is recommended if symptoms develop — ideally within two days of onset. Those groups include:
Adults 65 and older and children under two
People with asthma or chronic lung disease (including COPD and cystic fibrosis)
People with neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
People with blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
People with endocrine disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
People with heart disease (congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease)
People with kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders (including mitochondrial and inherited metabolic disorders)
Individuals with a body mass index of forty or higher
Children and teens under nineteen on long-term aspirin or salicylate-containing medications
People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or certain cancers (including leukemia)
Some people with disabilities that affect muscle or lung function, or swallowing, which can impair airway clearance.
What parents and caregivers should know Last season was the deadliest flu season on record for children in the United States, VDH said.
Approximately half of pediatric flu deaths occurred in children without underlying medical conditions, and 89% of the children who died were not up to date with recommended flu vaccination.
Public health officials reiterate core prevention measures:
Get vaccinated: Everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, unless advised otherwise by a health care provider.
Practice hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
Respiratory etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Stay home when sick: Isolate to prevent spread and contact a health care provider if symptoms worsen or if you are at higher risk for complications.
Seek timely treatment: Antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset, especially for high-risk individuals. By the numbers, CDC estimates from the 2024-25 season indicate influenza vaccination prevented about four million illnesses, four million medical visits, 170,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths nationwide, according to figures cited by VDH.
Looking ahead with flu activity still elevated, officials urged Virginians not to delay vaccination. VDH’s respiratory illness dashboard is scheduled to be updated Jan. 20 with the latest statewide data on influenza and other respiratory viruses, the department said.
Residents can find vaccine providers via the VDH website’s locator tool and should consult their health care provider about vaccination and, if symptoms develop, whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
