Two more flu deaths reported in NC

Raleigh, N.C. — Two people have died from the flu since Saturday, bringing the total number of deaths in the state this flu season to 10, state Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Julie Henry said Friday.

The names for the patients were not released, but Henry said one was an adult and the other was a pediatric patient under 18 years old.

Henry said the cause of death for each was determined to be the flu, but it is unknown if either suffered from a pre-existing condition.

It is also unknown if either person had received the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months old. Health officials say it is especially important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly.

One out of every four flu deaths last year was in healthy people with no underlying medical problems, according to the DHHS.

This year’s flu vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including H1N1.

The flu remains on the rise in the state, with the number of cases picking up since the end of December, Henry said.

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Heather, your doctor shouldn't be practicing medicine! I'm a pediatric nurse and also a flu shot nurse. While it is true that the vaccine, at times, doesn't offer 100% coverage it does lesson the duration of the virus. The flu is bad this year. I spent all weekend testing kids for the flu and most of them were positive. Some had, had flu shots and some not. Just like any vaccine if everyone would get them then the disease would not be as widespread. You would be devastated if one of your children died from the flu knowing that it could of been prevented!

jellygirl
February 9, 2011 2:21 p.m.

momuv2, I am so very sorry for you loss. Was one of these deaths mentioned, your child?

rebecca7
February 9, 2011 12:18 p.m.

Everybody is yelling and screaming to get your flu shot, but it is not the only winter time killer. There is a bacterial upper respiratory thing going around now that can also be a killer because it can develop into pneumonia. Many people that I know have had it, me included. When you get it, sinus outflow causes you to go thru boxes of tissue, your throat can get soar, your temp is slightly above or below normal and worst of all is the violent cough and lung congestion that keeps you awake at night and makes time awake difficult. If you come down with it, get to a doctor.

nomorethanthat
February 9, 2011 9:27 a.m.

A friend of mine whose brother is a doctor said his nurse was thrilled they had run out of flu test kits. She was sick of people throwing fits that they tested positive after being vaccinated. The vaccine does not guarantee protection against the flu. My doctor advises against any healthy person getting the vaccine. I asked him about it this year and he said that my children (14 & 19) and I didn't need the shot.

Heather
February 8, 2011 4:49 p.m.

To bury your child is the worst nightmare of a parent, no matter how old the child is. The flu shot would have saved my child. Now I have to bury her.

momuv2
February 8, 2011 3:24 p.m.