INFO:

This flu season has been the most severe in 15 years, with over 29 million cases and 16,000 deaths nationwide. Children have been particularly affected, experiencing severe complications, including influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis. In California alone, at least 11 child fatalities linked to flu-related illnesses have been reported. Locklynn Boler, a 4-year-old from Chillicothe, Ohio, tested positive for the flu on February 21. Three days later, she had respiratory distress, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest, leading to significant brain damage. Doctors have informed her family that she will require lifelong care, including a feeding tube, and will never walk, talk, or eat on her own again. This tragic case highlights the potential severity of flu complications in children, which can include pneumonia, dehydration, and, in rare cases, neurological issues like encephalitis. Vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure, yet parents are still refusing to protect their children with the safe and effective influenza vaccine. Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of flu vaccination, especially given the intensity of this season and the severe impact on children.