North Carolina has its first flu death of the 2021-22 influenza season
One person has died in North Carolina due to influenza complications, the state’s first reported flu-related death of the 2021-22 flu season.
The person, an adult in western North Carolina, died during the second week of December, state Department of Health and Human Services officials said Tuesday.
The person tested positive for influenza and negative for COVID-19, according to the state.
“This is a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in a statement. “With flu cases increasing and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for people to get a flu vaccine this year, as well as a COVID-19 vaccination or booster if they have not already done so.”
The person’s hometown, county age and gender were been released by the state.
The prior flu season in NC
Influenza cases and deaths were historically low during the last flu season, according to the state. N.C. health officials reported just five flu-related deaths between the end of September 2020 and the beginning of March 2021. That occurred during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when many limited interactions with other people and often wore masks in public.
But in five prior seasons, the number of influenza deaths reported in North Carolina ranged from 186 to 391, according to state officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older each year.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered during the same visit, according to the state. COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone age 5 and older.
Flu infections in North Carolina are most common from late fall to early spring, according to state officials. Flu infections typically peak in January or February.
Health officials say North Carolinians should continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing and wash hands often to avoid flu or COVID-19 infections.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
This story was originally published December 14, 2021 at 12:47 PM.
.jpg)