RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first child to die from the flu statewide for the 2022-2023 flu season.
This is the first child to die from flu-related complications in the state since 2020.
To protect the family’s privacy, the child’s hometown, county, age and gender are not being released. However, the child lived in eastern NC.
North Carolina has seen a rapid early rise in flu cases in recent weeks after two years of relatively low flu activity since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Flu cases and RSV cases at UNC Health
Last week at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, there were 210 confirmed flu cases – more than double the week before. The total RSV cases also increased to 244, with about two-thirds of those in children.
"That’s putting a strain on our hospitals, especially the Pediatric ICU in Chapel Hill," says Dr. Alan Wolf with UNC Health. "It is often full, although our providers are coordinating with other children’s hospitals across the state to find beds for critical patients."
Flu cases and RSV cases at Duke Health
At Duke Health, in the last full week of October, there were 155 lab confirmed flu PCR cases, compared to only 31 the previous week.
“Same story different day. Continued capacity crises and continued influx of RSV cases," says Dr. Sameer Kamath, medical director for Duke Children’s Hospital.
Flu cases and RSV cases at WakeMed
During the last full week of October, WakeMed reported 656 flu cases, as well as 17 patients hospitalized for the flu. That is a 300% increase in flu numbers compared to the week. prior.
During that same week, WakeMed reported 157 positive RSV tests and 14 RSV-related hospital admissions.
"We are busy, but so far we are able to manage high patient volumes and are preparing for a very challenging winter," said a spokesperson for WakeMed. "While we are indeed seeing an unprecedented level of RSV in our community, those are not the only patients who need inpatient care. We are caring for patients with a range of illnesses and injuries. Whenever we see a huge spike in any illness – whether it’s RSV, flu, or, COVID, it leads to high volumes, longer wait times, and staff working tirelessly to care for each and every patient."
Increase in RSV risk this year
North Carolina has also seen increased levels of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this year compared to the same time in recent previous years, according to data reported to the department.
These trends are similar to what is being seen nationally, according to the state.
Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Antiviral treatment works best if started soon after symptoms begin.
Other precautions you can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses include:
- Staying home when you are sick until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Washing your hands frequently, preferably with soap and water
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
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November 02, 2022 at 11:49PM
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WakeMed sees 300% increase in flu cases, as first NC child dies from flu since 2020 - WRAL News
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