RALEIGH, NC (WECT) - North Carolina has reported its first child death from flu during the 2011-2012 flu season.
A six-year-old died on February 4 of complications from an influenza infection. The child's hometown, county and gender are not being released to protect the family's privacy. The child was at risk for complications because of underlying medical conditions.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of their child," said Dr. Laura Gerald, State Health Director, in a news release Monday. "Unfortunately, this reminds us that flu is a serious illness and can be potentially devastating to people at any age."
Each year, influenza kills about 25,000 people in the U.S. and sends more than 220,000 people to the hospital.
Most influenza infections can be prevented by getting the flu vaccine. It's recommended for anyone over 6 months old. It's also important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly. However, almost half of the children who died from flu last season had no known high risk conditions, so public health officials encourage even healthy children to get a flu vaccine.
This year's vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including H1N1.
State public health officials monitor the flu activity across the state. They say it had been mild, but more infections have been detected recently. Flu season can last into the spring.
For more information about flu and to find a flu vaccine clinic near you, click here.
Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WECT, a Raycom Media Station.
