Overview
- The Kentucky Department for Public Health said the child who died had not received this season's flu vaccine.
- Officials report rising statewide influenza activity, with higher emergency visits and hospitalizations among children under five than a year ago.
- Health authorities recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, calling the shot safe, effective, and widely available.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered during the same visit at any point in the October–May season.
- Officials highlight higher-risk groups and advise seeking care for red-flag symptoms such as trouble breathing, seizures, bluish lips or face, very high fever, or dehydration.