North Carolina health officials report first flu death of the season
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday that an elementary school-aged child from the Triangle area, who died last week because of complications from an influenza infection, is the state's first flu death this season.
Health officials said the child was at risk for complications from the flu because of underlying medical conditions.
To protect the family's privacy, the child's hometown, county, age and sex are not being released.
"We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family on their loss," said State Health Director Robin Cummings, M.D. "We hope that making people aware of this tragic case will encourage preventative measures and remind everyone that it is not too early to be vaccinated. We are very early in the flu season and we expect to see flu activity increase in the coming weeks and months."
Officials say there are preventative measures that everyone can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses -- staying home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours, vigorously wash hands frequently, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard it.
Health officials also encourage residents to get the flu vaccination, which is now available. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine, available as a nasal spray or in shot form.
Wake County is holding weekly flu shot clinics on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - click here for details.
Additional clinics will be held at the following times and locations. Appointments are required at some locations.
Cary
Monday, October 15, 2012
Bond Park Community Center
150 Metro Park Drive
1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Fuquay-Varina
Each Monday and Thursday beginning October 4, 2012
Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Appointments strongly encouraged. Call 919-557-2501.
Knightdale
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Knightdale Public Safety Center
967 Steeple Square Court
3 to 7 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Raleigh
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Public Health Center Ground Floor Atrium
10 Sunnybrook Road
3 to 7 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Monday, October 20, 2012
Historic Yates Mill County Park
4620 Lake Wheeler Road
2 to 6 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Western Wake Fire and Rescue
4021 District Drive
3 to 7 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Wake Forest
Fridays, October 12, 19 and 26, 2012
Northern Regional Center
350 E. Holding Avenue
Call 919-562-6300 for an appointment.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Northern Regional Center
350 E. Holding Avenue, Room 165
3 to 7 p.m.
No appointment needed.
Zebulon
Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Drive
Call 919-404-3900 for an appointment.
