The flu-related death and a COVID-linked death in January were the first in children during a period when viruses are filling up hospitals and emergency rooms.
ER visits related to respiratory illnesses are climbing again after spiking in late December. Currently, the flu is driving much of the trend, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine, especially children who are younger than 5 or anyone with a high-risk medical condition. The pediatric flu death was in a child who had not received this year's vaccine.
Influenza vaccination rates have been declining in recent years. Less than 17% of Kentucky children have received a flu vaccine this season, and just 2% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
