ALEXANDER COUNTY (November 16, 2022) — Health officials with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) have reported seeing a decrease in flu vaccinations as flu cases circulate heavily among other respiratory illnesses including RSV and Covid-19. NCDHHS also reported the first flu-related adult death of the season in “an adult in the western part of the state who died due to complications of influenza during the third week of October” and the first flu-related pediatric death since February 2020 “in a child in the eastern part of the state”, according to the agency’s recent press releases. For privacy reasons, additional details about the two deaths were not released.
“This is a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “With flu cases increasing and COVID-19 still with us, it is tremendously important for people to get a flu vaccine this year.”
Along with NCDHHS, the Alexander County Health Department urges all members of our community ages 6 months and older who have not yet received the vaccine to get their flu shot now. Those at highest risk for the flu include older adults, young children, those with certain health conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy, and persons who are immunocompromised.
“The flu virus is very contagious, and can cause serious illness, especially (for) those at high risk of complications,” said Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, NCDHHS State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer. “It is important to get an annual flu vaccine to protect you and your loved ones.”
Seasonal flu vaccines are safe and effective. During the 2019-2020 flu season, flu vaccines prevented an estimated 7.5 million flu illnesses, 3.69 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations and 63,000 flu deaths across the United States according to NCDHHS. Flu season typically reaches its peak in winter in North Carolina.
“If you have symptoms of the flu, contact your healthcare provider or the Health Department as soon as possible,” said Billie Walker, Health Director for Alexander County. “Treatments for the flu, including antivirals such as Tamiflu, can be very effective, especially when started within the first few days of symptoms.” Symptoms of the flu include feeling feverish/having chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue/tiredness, and possibly vomiting and/or diarrhea. Some, though not all patients, have a fever with the flu. To learn more about the flu and/or to see if you are at a higher risk, please visit https://flu.ncdhhs.gov/ or https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm.
Flu vaccines are available at the Alexander County Health Department as well as local physicians’ offices and pharmacies. Contact the Health Department at 828-632-9704, your healthcare provider, or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a flu vaccine provider near you.
