NC DHHS reports first pediatric flu death in two years, urges vaccines
For the first time in more than two years, a child has died of the flu in North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.
The state strongly encouraged the flu vaccine for North Carolinians six months and older, as what is expected to be a severe flu season approaches. Five adults have already died from flu complications this season, the press release said.
DHHS did not release the child’s name, age, gender or location.
“There is still time to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is the time.”
Flu cases have rapidly increased in the state over the last few weeks and experts have urged North Carolinians not to wait to get vaccinated this season.
Children younger than 5 are at higher risk of developing a severe illness from the flu, the report said. More than half of the children who die from flu have no known medical condition that would put them at higher risk.
Vaccines reduce the risk of flu-associated deaths by half in children with high-risk medical conditions and by two-thirds in healthy children, a CDC study found.
Flu vaccinations are available at hospitals, pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments. North Carolinians can find a flu shot appointment at www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.
Antiviral treatments can stave off serious influenza complications if they are started shortly after a patient develops symptoms.
Hospitals have also reported seeing a surge in other respiratory viruses, like RSV, in children. Triangle hospitals have already had to delay elective procedures and reject patient transfers as flu and RSV patients surge.
Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and healthcare for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work.
This story was originally published November 2, 2022 at 2:44 PM.
