Wyoming child dies due to influenza

FREMONT COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently announced that a Wyoming child, from Fremont County, died due to influenza.

A release from the WDH says that the flu-related death is a reminder that influenza can be a serious disease and should not be overlooked.

“Unfortunately, the death of a Fremont County child has been reported to us this week,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state officer with the WDH. “The H3N2 ‘A’ virus has been dominant so far this season. Historically, seasons with high levels of H3N2 have been associated with more severe influenza illnesses with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.”

The release notes that, nationwide, 52 pediatric deaths due to influenza have been reported thus far during the 2025–26 flu season.

90% of the children who have died were not up to date on the flu vaccination.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus, the release states. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.

The most effective way to prevent influenza, especially for those 6 months of age and older, is to get an update flu vaccine every year. Flu shots remain available at several locations, including public health nursing offices, retail stores and medical clinics.

“Even though we’re well into the flu season, we expect that we will continue to see flu spreading in Wyoming for at least a few more months,” Harrist said. “For those who haven’t gotten a flu shot this year, getting one now will still have benefits.”

Individuals can also do other things to help slow or prevent the spread of influenza.

“Staying home from work, school, day care, and errands when you are ill is important. Covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze and cough, and frequently washing your hands are also effective,” Harrist said.

Healthcare providers may recommend prescription antiviral medications to help treat influenza. The medications may be extra helpful for those who are at a higher risk of flu complications, including young children, older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions, those with challenged immune systems, pregnant women, individuals less than 19 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy for other conditions, those who are extremely overweight and residents of nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities.

“For antiviral medications to be a good option, it is important to seek medical care quickly once you become ill,” Harrist said.

Related