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RALEIGH, NC – Officials from the Public Health Division of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today the first flu-related death of the 2018-19 season. last week and involving an adult from the central part of the state.
To protect the privacy of the family, the person's hometown, county, age and sex will not be published.
"We are very saddened by this death and extend our condolences to this person's loved ones," said state epidemiologist Zack Moore, MD, MPH. "The flu is still a serious disease, and in some cases it can lead to complications and death, which is why we strongly encourage people to get vaccinated early and every year."
During the 2017-18 influenza season, 391 influenza-related deaths were reported in North Carolina, the highest number of deaths in an influenza season since the requirement to report deaths due to influenza in Canada. the adult to the public health authorities in 2009. Of these 391 deaths, 290 people aged 65 and over and seven under 18 years.
The CDC recommends influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older with any age-appropriate licensed influenza vaccine. Vaccination against influenza can reduce the burden of the disease and reduce the risk of more serious complications, which is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications, such as people over 65, children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women and people with certain health problems. such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Influenza vaccines are available at hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, some federally registered health centers and local health departments.
In North Carolina, influenza infections are more common from late autumn to early spring, with activity generally reaching its peak in January or February. The following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of influenza and other viruses:
- Stay home when you're sick until at least 24 hours without fever
- Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then discard it quickly
Anyone who thinks they have the flu should immediately contact their doctor to find out if they need treatment with an antiviral drug, such as Tamiflu. Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent the severity of influenza infections. Prescription antiviral medication is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe influenza, and people at high risk of serious influenza complications because of their age or health.
The Public Health Division's surveillance for the 2018-2019 influenza season began on September 30 and will continue until the end of May. A summary of surveillance with information on deaths and influenza-related activities is posted every Thursday at www.flu.nc.gov.
© 2018 WCNC
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