As COVID-19 public health measures wane, pediatric hospitals are inundated with flu and RSV cases.

By Marin Wolf

As flu cases continue to rise unseasonably early, Dallas County Health and Human Services has  reported its first pediatric flu death this year.

According to Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, the patient, who was not an infant, had underlying health conditions.

During the 2021-22 flu season, COVID-19 public health measures kept the contagious virus at bay, resulting in no pediatric flu deaths in the county. However, in the last year, masking and social distancing have decreased.

Pediatric hospitals are dealing with an influx of flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) patients. According to experts, children are finally catching viruses that they did not catch during the peak of the pandemic.

While most older children and adults are immune to the flu and RSV, some populations are at risk of serious complications. Infants, children with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are more likely to develop severe flu symptoms.

Cough, congestion, fever, and body aches are all symptoms of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Pediatricians are also reporting that many flu patients are suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.

Good health hygiene practices, such as hand washing and staying at home when sick, continue to be some of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Most age groups are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.