Henderson Co. Health Dept. confirms first flu-related death of the 2023-24 flu season

Dean Hensley, Hendersonville Times-News
·2 min read

The Henderson County Department of Public Health confirmed on Dec. 28 that there has been the first influenza-related death in the county for the current flu season, which runs from October 2023-May 2024.

The health department couldn't give the exact date of the death or the age of the person.

"To protect the privacy of the individual and family, I can’t share specific details, but we confirmed the flu-association this afternoon," Andrew Mundhenk, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Health, told the Times-News on Dec. 28. "I know the flu-associated death was an adult."

The health department also reported it has had one recent death related to COVID-19.

Earlier this month, Buncombe County Health and Human Services reported the first flu-related death of the flu season of a Buncombe County resident. According to Citizen Times' reporting, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services said there have been 30 influenza-associated deaths in North Carolina this season, including one pediatric death in Western North Carolina in November.

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

The Henderson County Department of Public Health reports emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV have been on the rise over the past few weeks of the holiday season. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated.

According to the latest Centers for Disease Control influenza map, North Carolina was one of just eight states that had a "very high" flu activity level. The other seven were New York, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Colorado and New Mexico.

The Dec. 16 influenza map by the Centers for Disease Control.
The Dec. 16 influenza map by the Centers for Disease Control.

Below are tips provided by the Henderson County Department of Public Health to prevent serious illnesses from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV:

  • It's not too late to get your flu shot. Ask your doctor about recommended vaccines for you and your family, including children.

  • If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to stay home. Avoid being around people who are sick. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, talk to your doctor about testing and treatment.

  • Practice everyday prevention measures like covering coughs and sneezes, handwashing, staying home when sick, wearing a well-fitting mask if you choose to wear a mask and improving airflow at home or at work.

  • You can find locations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines on www.Vaccines.gov. Uninsured or underinsured adults can get COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through the Centers for Disease Control's Bridge Access Program. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the health department for everyone, regardless of insurance status.

Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson Co.'s first flu-related death of 2023-24 flu season confirmed