> At a Glance
> – A child under 5 in North Jersey has died from the flu, the state’s first pediatric death of the 2025-26 season
> – Flu activity is already higher than in recent years, with U.S. doctor visits for flu-like illness at a 30-year high
> – The CDC still recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, though the U.S. childhood schedule no longer lists the flu shot
> – Why it matters: Flu can be fatal for the very young; simple steps like vaccination, hand-washing, and staying home when sick can curb spread
New Jersey has recorded its first pediatric influenza death of the 2025-26 season, involving a preschool-age resident of North Jersey, while nationwide doctor visits for flu-like symptoms have reached their highest level in three decades.
The Announcement
State health officials released the news on Friday, Jan. 9, marking the season’s first fatality in a child.
Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said:
> “This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child’s death this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family.”
National Context
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports this season’s surge is part of a longer trend:
- Doctor visits for flu-like illness are at their highest point in 30 years
- Last season saw 289 pediatric flu deaths, the most since tracking began and surpassing even the 2009 H1N1 pandemic total
Policy Changes
Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., federal guidance has shifted:
- The Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday it is removing the flu vaccine from the official childhood immunization schedule
- As of Wednesday, Jan. 7, the CDC website still advises: “Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine”
Protection Tips
Health officials urge layered precautions:
- Get vaccinated at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, county clinics, or federally qualified health centers
- Wash hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings
- Stay home when ill
Who’s Most at Risk
People especially vulnerable to flu complications include:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 5
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with chronic conditions
Seek emergency care for:
In adults: severe vomiting, trouble breathing, constant chest pain, confusion, or relapse with higher fever/worse cough
In children: bluish skin, poor fluid intake, or excessive sleepiness
Key Takeaways
- A North Jersey child under 5 has died, highlighting flu’s danger to the very young
- Flu activity is already intense nationwide
- The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for those 6 months and older
- Simple hygiene and staying home when sick help protect entire communities
Officials encourage vaccination and everyday precautions to curb the virus’s spread and prevent further tragedies.
