Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHSS) recently reported the first pediatric death from the flu this season.

A child in the eastern part of the state died from complications associated with influenza infection. To protect the family’s privacy, the child’s hometown, county, age and sex are not being released, WBTV News reported.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to this child’s family on this heartbreaking and tragic loss,” Dr. Zack Moore, the state epidemiologist, told WBTV News.

This is the first pediatric flu death in North Carolina since February 2020.

Health officials said that the flu has only lightly affected the state for the past two years, essentially being kept at bay as the COVID-19 virus was rampant.  This year, though, flu season is in full swing, with the state reporting a rising number of cases over the past couple of weeks. Compared to previous years, the state has seen increased numbers of people suffering from influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this year.

Besides the pediatric death, the NCDHHS said five adults have died from flu-related complications so far this season. Elsewhere across the country, only one other state has reported a pediatric flu death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older. It says the vaccine can also make illness milder for those who do get the flu.

Several groups of people are at greater risk for developing serious illness from flu. The vulnerable groups include children under 5, pregnant women, adults over 65 and people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease.

“Flu vaccination is the most effective protection against flu,” Moore told WBTV News. “There is still time to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season. If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is the time.”