First child flu-related death reported in Western North Carolina, only 2nd case in US

Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times

ASHEVILLE - Western North Carolina had its first pediatric flu-related death for the 2023-24 flu season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced in a news statement.

For the 2023-24 flu season, it is the first pediatric flu-related death in the state and only the second in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

"We extend our sincere condolences to this child’s family after their tragic loss," said NCDHHS State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore in a Nov. 22 news release. "Vaccination is the most effective protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from flu, RSV and COVID-19 infections, and there is still time to protect children this respiratory virus season."

To protect the family’s privacy, additional information will not be released.

Five adult flu-associated deaths have been reported in North Carolina this season, according to the NCDHHS.

North Carolina flu cases have increased in recent weeks, alongside RSV and continued COVID-19 activity, according to the news release.

The latest CDC flu activity map in the U.S. from Nov. 11, 2023.
The latest CDC flu activity map in the U.S. from Nov. 11, 2023.

According to a Nov. 11 flu activity map published by the CDC, North Carolina has most recently had "moderate" flu activity, while other Southern states, like South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama have all seen "high" flu activity.

The CDC recommends all children aged 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The CDC also recommends everyone age 5 years and older should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Children age 6 months to 4 years old need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least one dose of an updated vaccine.

Locations for flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be found online at www.vaccines.gov.

The Buncombe County Immunizations Clinic is located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville, offering two options for getting vaccines. Residents can call 828 250-5096 to make an appointment or visit during walk-in hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m.

Additionally, the CDC recommends vaccines for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, for infants and toddlers and for those over the age of 60. More information on RSV vaccines and prevention can be found at cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the renewal of free COVID-19 tests for the 2023-24 winter season.

Test kits can be ordered at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Those who are blind or have low-vision can order free test kits with enhanced accessibility at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible.

Though some tests may currently be past their expiration date, the FDA has extended those dates. You can find a full list of extended expiration dates for at-home tests at fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19.

For more information about North Carolina Health and Human Services efforts against the flu, you can visit https://flu.ncdhhs.gov/index.htm.

Flu symptoms to watch

These include:

  • Fever

  • Cough and/or sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Headaches and/or body aches

  • Chills

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, which are most common among children

More: Buncombe residents can now order free COVID-19 test kits; where are other tests available?

2022 Answer Woman: Are restaurants providing heated outdoor patios during flu season?

Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: First child flu death reported in Western North Carolina 2nd in US

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