A child in central North Carolina died from complications related to the flu last week, officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday.
Officials said it marks the state’s first child death related to the flu for the 2017-18 season.
To protect the family’s privacy, officials said the child’s hometown, county and gender are not being released.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the child’s family,” state epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said. “If anything positive comes from this tragic loss, we hope it will be that people understand that flu is a serious illness. Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu, and it’s still not too late to get a flu shot.”
As of Dec. 16, nine pediatric flu deaths had been reported this season from other states, according to officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Up to half of children who die from flu have no known medical condition that would have put them at higher risk, officials said.
In North Carolina, 11 adult flu-related deaths have been reported, with six of them being people 65 years and older, officials said.
[PAST COVERAGE: Flu cases in Carolinas begin to pile up at start of season]
Officials said people who think they might have the flu should contact their doctor right away to see if they need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug such as Tamiflu.
[PAST COVERAGE: Health care providers prepare for bad flu season after 2 deaths in NC]
Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious, officials said.
Health officials said treatment with a prescription antiviral drug is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness and people who are at high risk of serious flu complications based on their age or health.
Other precautions people can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses include:
- Staying home when sick until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
- Washing their hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
More information on flu and where people can get vaccinated is available at www.flu.nc.gov.
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