NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – At least five Tennesseans have died from the flu so far during the 2017-2018 flu season, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Four children and one pregnant woman have been killed by the virus in Tennessee, according to WKRN News 2.
The number is already higher than the 2016-2017 flu season, when Tennessee saw two pediatric flu-related deaths. During the 2015-2016 season, three children and one pregnant woman died as a result of the virus.
The Tennessee Department of Health only tracks the flu-related deaths of children and pregnant women.
Flu activity is now widespread in every state in the Lower 48, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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According to a Reuters report, of the 30 U.S. children who have died from the flu so far this season, some 85 percent had not been vaccinated.
The dominant strain during this flu season is an especially nasty type called influenza A (H3N2) that in seasons past has been linked with severe disease and death, especially in the elderly and young. This year’s seasonal flu epidemic is especially severe.
In its latest report, the CDC said the virus is present in every state, with 32 states reporting severe flu activity.
Although the vaccine is only estimated to be about 30 percent effective against the H3N2 strain, it has been shown in studies to reduce severity and duration if people do become infected, said Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the influenza division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said to Reuters.
Studies have shown that even a vaccine that has lower overall effectiveness can decrease the number of days spent in hospital, duration of the flu and the degree of symptoms.