FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 16, 2024
CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
Connecticut Department of Public Health confirms season’s first influenza deaths
HARTFORD, Conn—Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, confirmed the first two deaths of state residents due to influenza (flu) for the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season. The announcement came at a news conference this morning where Governor Ned Lamont received his COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
The first influenza death occurred in an adult resident, 90-99 years old, who died in September. The second influenza death was of an infant less than 1-years-old old that occurred during October.
“This is a tragic reminder that the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season is here. As we approach the holiday season and people spend more time indoors, I strongly encourage all Connecticut residents to make sure they are up to date on their seasonal vaccines, particularly older individuals and those with multiple medical conditions,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.
The current vaccine and prevention guidance to prevent respiratory viral diseases is:
- Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine.
- Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Adults 60 years of age and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo).A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—RSV season.
- Residents can receive their vaccines from their health care provider, a retail pharmacy, or by visiting vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you.
- The spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also be prevented through proper respiratory virus etiquette. These practices include handwashing, remaining home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and masking if you have any respiratory symptoms.
- The Federal Government is once again offering four free COVID-19 self-tests per household at covidtests.gov These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants
- More information about respiratory viral diseases is available at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Infectious-Diseases/RVD/Respiratory-Viral-Disease-Surveillance. .
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