The first two pediatric flu deaths in the 2024-25 influenza season have been reported by the Virginia Department of Health.
One death occurred in a young school-aged child (5–12 years old) in Virginia’s eastern health region.
The second death claimed the life of a teenager (13–17 years old) in the central health region.
“With a heavy heart, the Virginia Department of Health mourns the loss of two young lives. Our sympathies go out to the families during this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton. “These losses are a sad reminder that while flu is common, it can be associated with serious illness and even death.”
The next update to the respiratory illness dashboard will take place on Jan. 28.
VDH: Assessing the flu in Virginia
As of Jan. 18, the level of respiratory illnesses is moderate in Virginia.
Seasonal flu activity is elevated.
Virginia reported 17.4 percent (13,986 visits) of all emergency department visits were for respiratory illnesses.
Children account for the largest number of emergency visits for flu.
VDH: Regions and health districts
The Virginia Department of Health has five health regions: eastern, northwest, central, northern and southwest. It has 35 health districts.
Eastern region: Death of young school-aged child (5–12 years old)
The eastern region includes nine health districts: Chesapeake, Eastern Shore, Hampton, Norfolk, Peninsula, Portsmouth, Three Rivers, Virginia Beach and Western Tidewater.
This includes the cities and counties of:
- Accomack
- Chesapeake
- Essex
- Gloucester
- Franklin City
- Hampton
- Isle of Wight
- James City
- King & Queen
- King William
- Lancaster
- Mathes
- Middlesex
- Newport News
- Norfolk
- Northampton
- Northumberland
- Poquoson
- Portsmouth
- Richmond County
- Southampton
- Suffolk
- Virginia Beach
- Westmoreland
- Williamsburg
- York
Central region: Death of teenager (13–17 years old)
The central region includes seven health districts: Chesterfield, Crater, Chickahominy, Henrico, Piedmont, Richmond and Southside.
This includes the cities and counties of:
- Amelia
- Brunswick
- Buckingham
- Charles City
- Charlotte
- Chesterfield
- Colonial Heights
- Cumberland
- Dinwiddie
- Emporia
- Goochland
- Greensville
- Halifax
- Hanover
- Henrico
- Hopewell
- Lunenburg
- Mecklenburg
- New Kent
- Nottoway
- Petersburg
- Prince Edward
- Powhatan
- Prince George
- Richmond City
- Surry
- Sussex
VDH: Tips to prevent the flu
Most individuals aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your open hand
- Stay at home when you feel sick
- People at higher risk for flu complications should seek medical care when symptoms begin to see if antiviral treatment is recommended
- Treatment works best when started within two days after symptoms begin
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe
VDH: Flu vaccines
With flu activity elevated in Virginia, now is a good time to get a flu vaccine if you have not already, according to VDH.
- Virginia vaccination coverage for the flu remains low for children and adults.
- Only 30 percent of eligible Virginians reported receiving a flu vaccine this season.
- Vaccines may help protect people from the most serious health effects of flu viruses.
A recent study estimated that during the 2023–24 season, the flu vaccination prevented:
- 8 million flu-related illnesses and medical visits
- 120,000 flu-related hospitalizations
- 7,900 flu-related deaths
Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find a location to get your flu vaccine.
For additional questions about the flu or the flu vaccine, contact VDH’s call center at 877-829-4682 (option 2), The call center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Crystal Graham
