Health officials report NC's first flu-related death of season

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina health officials say they've received the first report of a flu-related death of this season.

Officials with the state Department of Health and Human Services say an adult living in the central part of North Carolina died of flu-related causes in the first week of October. They released no other details about the person who died.

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“We are very saddened by this death and send condolences to the loved ones of this person,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Flu is a serious illness and in some cases can lead to complications and even result in death, which is why we strongly encourage people to get vaccinated every year.”

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:

• Stay home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours
• Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly

During the last flu season, 208 flu deaths were reported in North Carolina, down from 391 deaths during the 2017-18 flu season. Of those 208 deaths, 133 were people age 65 and older and five were under the age of 18.

In North Carolina, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February.

Associated Press