Two Adults in Western North Carolina Die from Influenza, First Flu Deaths of the Season
WLOS — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced on Wednesday that two adults in the western part of the state died in October due to complications of influenza. These deaths mark the first flu-related fatalities of the 2023-24 flu season.
Although the DHHS did not disclose additional information to protect the privacy of the affected families, officials revealed that one person tested positive for both influenza and COVID-19.
State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH, emphasized the severity of both flu and COVID-19 and their potential to lead to severe complications and even death. Dr. Moore urged individuals to get their annual vaccines, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick as flu season coincides with the ongoing circulation of COVID-19.
The DHHS highlighted that influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are currently circulating and expected to increase in the coming months. Vaccination was strongly recommended by officials as the most effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death associated with these infections.
Individuals at a higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including those aged 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with certain medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity), were urged to prioritize getting vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive both the fall COVID-19 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. RSV vaccinations were also advised for older adults and pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants. Parents were encouraged to discuss other options with their healthcare providers to shield infants from severe RSV disease.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available at pharmacies, private medical offices, certain federally qualified healthcare centers, and local health departments. The public was encouraged to visit the DHHS website to find flu or COVID-19 vaccine locations nearby.
Apart from vaccination, individuals were advised to take precautions to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses. These measures include regular hand sanitization, avoiding touching the face, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, staying home when sick (except for medical care or testing), and taking steps to isolate oneself within the household if infected.
It is important to note that flu and COVID-19 exhibit similar symptoms, and early testing and treatment with antiviral drugs can help prevent the infections from worsening. High-risk individuals, based on age or medical conditions, were urged to seek prompt medical attention.
For more detailed information on protective actions and guidance, individuals can refer to the DHHS website. Additional information on testing and treatment for COVID-19 is available on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website.