The California Department of Public Health ?CDPH, for its acronym in English? reported this week the first death from influenza and RSV ?Respiratory Syncytial Virus? of this winter season of a child under 5 years of age.
And is that, young children are more vulnerable to serious complications of RSV and influenza, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or if they were born prematurely.
CDPH protected the confidentiality of the deceased patient, as well as additional information, including the place where death occurred.
"Our hearts go out to the family of this little boy," said Dr. Tomás Aragón, State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director. "This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that respiratory viruses can be deadly, especially in very young children and infants."
Aragon specified that the state is entering a busy winter virus season, with the spread of RSV, influenza and COVID-19.
“We urge parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible. It's also important to follow basic prevention tips like washing your hands often, wearing a mask, and staying home when you're sick to slow the spread of germs."
To help address the current and anticipated surge in hospitalizations from an early winter virus season, CDPH issued new Guidance for Response to Surge Respiratory Viruses Among Pediatric Patients, which, in part, allows health facilities to reconfigure the space as needed to accommodate the increase in patients.
In addition, the CDPH recommends that all health care facilities, including inpatient and outpatient facilities without existing pediatric services, explore short-term steps to expand capacity for evaluation and treatment of pediatric patients.
Through a statement, the health authority explained that Vaccines remain the most effective tool for limiting the risk of severe illness and death from circulating winter viruses. Vaccinating an entire family against the flu and COVID-19 helps boost immunity and reduces the risk of serious outcomes from these viruses.
Similarly, he specified that hospital beds throughout the state will remain open for those who need urgent medical attention.
Notably, RSV's 2022-2023 season started earlier than usual and activity increased rapidly throughout October, officials said.
In general, they specified, activity increases in December and peaks in February. On October 3, CDPH published a health advisory addressing both this early activity and the use of the preventive antibody treatment palivizumab in eligible high-risk infants.
Thus, on November 12, an updated notice was sent to health centers specifying that general influenza and COVID-19 activity is increasing throughout the state.
In light of this, CDPH has encouraged all Californians to follow five tips to protect themselves and others from serious illness and hospitalization: get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19; stay home if you are sick, especially with influenza, RSV and/or COVID-19, which can cause more serious illness; continue the use of masks in closed public places; frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is one way to prevent disease; and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
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