LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky officials have announced on Thursday that two children have died from respiratory viruses this winter.
According to a news release from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, one child died from influenza, and the other died from COVID-19.
Neither child was immunized against the illness that killed them officials said.
“Influenza and COVID-19 are serious illnesses that unfortunately can be deadly for some people, including young children,” Dr. Steven Stack, the commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said. “It is important for people who have not been vaccinated to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this season, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves."
Check the most current data on respiratory illnesses in Kentucky here.
While influenza and COVID-19 infections can result in mild illness, officials said you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- difficulty or fast breathing
- seizures
- bluish lips or face
- high fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- fever or cough that improves but comes back worse
- dehydration
- worsening of other medical conditions
To find where you can get a vaccine near you, click here.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended everyone older than 6 months get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines, especially children younger than 5 years old and anyone considered high-risk.
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