Montgomery, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Public Health is currently probing two pediatric fatalities that may be linked to influenza, raising concerns about the seasonal flu’s impact on the state. Dr. Wes Stubblefield, a district health officer, emphasized that tracking flu cases and related deaths poses significant challenges, as reporting of cases is not mandated within Alabama.
The full extent of the flu season will remain uncertain until federal data is finalized later this year. However, the state can provide estimates of influenza-like illnesses treated at medical facilities, as well as cases of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) observed in emergency departments. “Both investigations are active, and we will seek to establish a connection between the flu and the fatalities,” Stubblefield stated during a recent interview.
Weekly updates on the department’s tracking website reveal that as of Saturday, 7.54 percent of emergency department visits were due to respiratory illness symptoms, a decline from 10.76 percent the previous week. The majority of those patients tested positive for the flu, followed by RSV and COVID-19.
As of Wednesday, approximately 763,600 residents in Alabama had received flu vaccinations for the current season, significantly more than the number reported in November. This figure, however, falls short by about 9,000 doses compared to those administered during the previous flu season. Stubblefield expressed satisfaction with the vaccination numbers but noted that the state continues to face challenges.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers more granular tracking of flu cases than the state can provide. Data from the CDC’s FluView shows at least 17 flu-related deaths in Alabama as of late December. Stubblefield highlighted the complexity of flu viruses, noting that various strains circulate throughout the season. Currently, only influenza A has been detected in reported cases across the state, and that strain includes multiple subtypes.
In light of mounting flu cases, Stubblefield urged individuals considering the vaccine to recognize its protective capabilities against multiple strains. He pointed out that it is feasible to contract the influenza virus more than once during the season, underscoring the importance of vaccination.
Despite regional efforts to increase vaccination rates, the overall flu presence remains a public health concern. As investigations continue and data is analyzed, health officials encourage Alabamians to prioritize preventive measures, including vaccination and awareness of flu symptoms.