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North Carololina -- November 1. 2022: The first flu-related mortality of the 2022–23 flu season has been reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. During the third week of October,
an adult in the western portion of the state passed away as a result of complications from influenza. The person's hometown, county, age, and gender won't be disclosed to safeguard the family's privacy.
"This is a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. "With flu cases increasing and COVID-19 still with us, it is tremendously important for people to get a flu vaccine this year."
While the influenza seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 saw record low numbers of illnesses and fatalities, the five seasons before that saw a range of 186–391 influenza deaths reported in North Carolina. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, North Carolina has experienced an increase in infections brought on by respiratory viruses other than COVID-19, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
* The CDC recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with the flu. Vaccination can also make illness milder for those who do get the flu, making it especially important for those at higher risk of more serious outcomes, such as people over 65 years old, children younger than 5, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same visit.
Flu vaccinations are available at hospitals, pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments. To find a flu vaccine near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
In North Carolina, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February. The following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses:
Get your flu vaccine. Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as bivalent COVID-19 boosters for those who are eligible.
Stay home from work or school when sick to avoid spreading infection to others.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly.
To layer up protection, people can practice the 3Ws — wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth, waiting 6 feet apart, and washing your hands often can help slow the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses.
Individuals who feel ill should call ahead before going to a doctor’s office, local health department or urgent care to avoid exposing others. Flu symptoms include:
Fever
Cough and/or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Antiviral drugs are available and can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment with a prescription antiviral drug is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe illness, and those who are at higher risk of serious flu illness based on their age or health.
WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington
