Buncombe County reports 1st flu-related death of season; 'high' flu activity in NC

Ryley Ober, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read
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ASHEVILLE — Buncombe County had its first flu-related death of a resident for the 2023-24 flu season, the Buncombe County Health and Human Services announced in a news statement Dec. 12.

There have been eight adult influenza-associated deaths in North Carolina this season, plus one pediatric death in Western North Carolina in November, according to N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The child flu-related death was the first in the state and second in the country for the 2023-24 season.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the first flu-related death in our Buncombe County community,” county health director Dr. Ellis Matheson said in the release. “We take the seasonal flu seriously, recognizing its potential for severe illness and even fatality.”

The county's health and human services received notification of the fatality on Dec. 11, and no further details will be disclosed “to safeguard the family’s privacy,” the release said.

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According to the last influenza map released by the Centers for Disease Control on Dec. 8, North Carolina had a “high” flu activity, up from “moderate” in November.

The latest CDC flu activity map in the U.S. released Dec. 8, 2023.
The latest CDC flu activity map in the U.S. released Dec. 8, 2023.

The CDC recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older to prevent infection and to make the illness milder for those who catch it. Locations for flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be found online at www.vaccines.gov.

Certain groups are at higher risk for serious illness from flu, including children younger than 5, pregnant women, people over 65 and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, according to the CDC.

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“Now is the time to get vaccinated, especially before participating in seasonal celebrations with friends and family,” Matheson said. “Additional precautions include staying up-to-date on vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if feeling unwell.”

The Buncombe County Immunizations Clinic is located at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville, offering two options for getting vaccines. Residents can call 828 250-5096 to make an appointment or visit during walk-in hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m.

Additionally, the CDC recommends vaccines for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, for infants and toddlers and for those over the age of 60. More information on RSV vaccines and prevention can be found at cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html.

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Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the renewal of free COVID-19 tests for the 2023-24 winter season.

Test kits can be ordered at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Those who are blind or have low-vision can order free test kits with enhanced accessibility at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible.

For more information about North Carolina Health and Human Services efforts against the flu, visit https://flu.ncdhhs.gov/index.htm.

Flu symptoms to watch

These include:

  • Fever

  • Cough and/or sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Headaches and/or body aches

  • Chills

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, which are most common among children

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Flu-related death Buncombe County first for season