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North Carolina -- November 4, 2022: The first pediatric flu-related mortality for the 2022–2023 flu season has been reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
A child in the state's east recently passed away from complications brought on by an influenza virus. The family's hometown, county, age, and sex are not being disclosed to maintain the privacy of the family. Since February 2020, this is the first pediatric flu death.
After two years of comparatively low flu activity since the COVID-19 pandemic started, North Carolina has seen a sharp early surge in flu infections in recent weeks. During the current flu season, North Carolina has already recorded five adult flu-related deaths, and as of Nov. 2, 2022, one juvenile flu death has been reported from other states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Every year, the CDC advises flu immunization for those aged 6 months and older. Vaccination is not only the best defense against catching the flu, but it can also lessen the severity of the sickness in those who do.
Children under the age of five, pregnant women, individuals over 65, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, are at an increased risk for developing serious flu-related illnesses. However, studies have shown that vaccines cut the risk of flu-associated deaths by half in children with high-risk medical disorders and by two thirds in healthy children. Over half of the children who die from the flu, however, have no known medical condition that would place them at higher risk.
Dr. Moore asserted that the flu shot offers the best defense against the illness. If you haven't received your flu shot yet, now is the time. There is still time to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season.
According to information provided to the agency, North Carolina has also experienced higher rates of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this year compared to the same period in former years. These patterns mirror those that are prevalent nationwide. The Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard receives weekly updates from NCDHHS about influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses that may be in circulation. (Please note that this pediatric flu mortality will be included in the update on Wednesday due to the surveillance reporting intervals and weekly cycle of updating the dashboard.)
Additionally, NCDHHS started a campaign to promote annual flu vaccinations across the state and educate the public on the health hazards linked with seasonal flu. The most recent information, advice, frequently asked questions, sharable materials, and a new PSA may all be found at MySpot.nc.gov/flu. Hospitals, pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally recognized health care facilities, and regional health agencies all offer flu shots. Visit www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines to find a flu shot nearby.
Additionally, early antiviral medication use helps lessen the severity of flu infections. It is best to begin antiviral therapy as soon as symptoms appear.
You can also take the following actions to guard against the spread of the flu and other viruses:
staying at home when unwell until at least 24 hours have passed since your last fever
regular hand washing, ideally with soap and water
Using tissues to cover your coughs and sneezes and promptly tossing the tissues
Visit www.flu.nc.gov for additional details on the flu and to learn where you can get vaccinated in your neighborhood.
WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington
