Pediatric Influenza Deaths Reported In Nebraska

Two pediatric influenza-related deaths in Nebraska have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Nationally, 20 children have died from flu this season according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Nebraska, there have been a total of three flu-related deaths so far this season.

Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu, should be used as early as possible in people who have flu-like illness. For those who aren’t sick, common sense preventive measures along with flu vaccines can help prevent flu and other winter illnesses. Tamiflu can safely treat flu symptoms in infants as young as 2 weeks old.

Protect yourself from the flu by:

• Washing your hands often

• Avoiding contact with people who are sick

• Staying home from work, family gatherings and social functions if you’re sick

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough with a tissue or sleeve, not into your hands

• Eating healthy and getting plenty of rest

• Don’t smoke

• DHHS recommends speaking with your healthcare provider as CDC recommends flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older

Influenza vaccination can reduce flu-related illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school, and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

• While flu can make anyone sick, certain people are at greater risk for serious complications:

• Young children

• Adults 65 years of age or older

• Pregnant women

• People with chronic lung disease like asthma and COPD, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term health conditions

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

For more flu information, visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.ne.gov/flu or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.