RALEIGH, NC– The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has reported the state’s first flu related death.
Reports say an elementary school student died last week from complications relating to an influenza infection.
The child’s hometown, age and sex have not been released to protect the family’s privacy.
The state wants to remind people of important preventative measures that everyone can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses:
Stay home when you are sick until you are fever free for at least 24 hours.
Vigorously wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly.
Health officials also encourage the citizens of North Carolina to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting 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 shot form.
