A tragic milestone has been reached in Colorado as health officials confirm the state's first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2025-2026 season. This news serves as a stark reminder of the flu's potential severity, especially among our youngest and most vulnerable.
The deceased child, an elementary school-aged resident of the Denver metro area, passed away last week, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This announcement comes at a time when flu activity is surging statewide, with a 43% increase in flu-related hospitalizations during the last week of November. Pediatricians are reporting an unusually high number of cases for this early in the season.
Dr. Gregg Kennedy, a pediatrician at Denver Health, sheds light on the situation, stating, "At the moment, there's about 10 times as much flu as anything else." He emphasizes that while most children recover at home, some require hospitalization, and the flu can have devastating consequences.
"Annually, we see several hundred pediatric deaths from the flu across the country, and over 90% of these are children who haven't received the flu vaccine," Dr. Kennedy explains. "If there's one recommendation I can give to ensure our kids don't succumb to the flu, it's to get the vaccine. It's a simple yet powerful tool."
The impact of the flu is being felt beyond healthcare settings. Mara Hackett, owner of Colorado Kids Academy in Lakewood, shares that the preschool had to close for a day due to a high number of sick children. "Children were seemingly healthy in the morning, but by afternoon, they were running high fevers," she says. With approximately 70% of students absent due to illness, the school has reinstated COVID-era cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of its community.
"Our primary focus is keeping our kids safe and healthy," Hackett emphasizes.
In an effort to curb the spread, CDPHE is taking proactive measures. This week, they will begin sending text messages and emails to over 225,000 families with children aged 6 months to 5 years who may be overdue for their flu shot. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible, keeping sick children home, and practicing good hygiene. While flu season typically peaks in January and February, health officials warn that this year's early surge could indicate a longer and more severe season.
As we navigate this challenging flu season, it's crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The flu is a serious matter, and we must do our part to protect ourselves and our communities. Let's work together to ensure that this tragic event remains an isolated incident and that our children stay healthy and safe.
