North Carolina health officials report second child flu death of the season
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that another child has died because of complications from an influenza infection.
According to the North Carolina Weekly Influenza Surveillance Summary, the child died on Nov. 15. It is the state's second flu death this season.
To protect the family's privacy, the child's hometown, county, age and sex are not being released.
Last month, an elementary school-aged child from the Triangle area died of complications from the flu because of underlying medical conditions.
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.
For more details visit, www.flu.nc.gov
