Ohio Department of Health announces state's first pediatric flu death, urging safety
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is urging parents to protect their children following the state's first pediatric flu-associated death of the season.
According to a news release, the state reported its first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2025-26 flu season as a teenager under the age of 18 from Greene County.
"This death is tragic and our hearts go out to the family," said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff.
Vanderhoff continued," It also reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat, and we urge parents to protect their kids."
Flu activity is usually most prevalent between December and February. However, it is noted in the release that fly activity has been increasing since late November, and has increased more rapidly during the past "few weeks."
"It's not too late to get a flu vaccine. It could prevent you or your loved ones from getting seriously ill. And, especially during flu season, it's important to maintain good hand hygiene and to stay home if you are sick," said Vanderhoff.
Flu vaccines are available at most healthcare providers' offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies.
According to the release, Ohio generally reports between one and seven flu-associated pediatric deaths each season.
A visualizer graph on flu activity in Ohio can be found on the ODH's Respiratory Dashboard.
As of December 20's week's end, 722 flu-related hospitalizations were reported.
A total of 7,381 hospitalizations across all respiratory categories, including the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, have been reported since the beginning of the season, which began July 1, 2025.
