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CHOA says child flu cases have doubled in just weeks

By Tom Regan, WSB-TV
By Tom Regan, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Doctors at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta said they are seeing a huge spike in childhood flu cases, some requiring hospitalization.

The Georgia Department of Health says there have been four flu-related deaths in the state so far and that number is expected to increase.

Doctors told Channel 2's Tom Regan the number of confirmed child flu cases at CHOA hospitals has more than doubled over the past few weeks from an average of 12 percent to 28 percent.

They said they are also seeing a peak of cases much earlier than usual.

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Flu cases usually peak in February. They're not exactly sure why. They said some of this increase could be explained by fewer children getting flu vaccinations.

Young children are most at risk of severe flu symptoms and in worst cases can have high fever and breathing difficulty.

“A number of those children have been admitted to the hospital, where they have required hospitalization and assistance with breathing,” said Dr. Andi Shane. “Also, other problems associated with flu infections is hydration and difficulty taking in fluids and food."

She said infants and young children, with less developed immune systems, are most at risk of become severely ill.

Shane said parents should carefully monitor their kids if they believe they have the flu, and get help if the symptoms get severe.

“If they are any changes they notice, we recommend they bring their child initially to their pediatrician, if not there not available, if more severe symptom develop, difficulty breathing, unable to take in fluids, or keep fluids down they should be brought in for immediate care and evaluation,” Shane said.

Doctors said if your child is showing severe symptom first take them to a pediatrician and if necessary, the emergency room.

Doctors say if you haven't done, it's not too late to consider getting a flu vacation for your child.

Cox Media Group

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