Here’s how NC’s first flu death and omicron COVID case could impact Christmas travel

This year marks the first Christmas with widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines across the country, making visiting family and friends over the holidays easier — but local experts say residents should stay cautious.

On Dec. 10, North Carolina reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case related to the omicron variant, tied to a UNC Charlotte student who had traveled out of state for Thanksgiving.

And on Dec. 14, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced an adult in western North Carolina had died due to influenza complications, the state’s first flu death of the 2021-22 flu season.

Influenza cases and deaths were historically low during the last flu season, according to the state. N.C. health officials reported just five flu-related deaths between the end of September 2020 and the beginning of March 2021. That’s a huge drop from the five prior flu seasons, when 186 to 291 people died due to influenza in the state.

And there’s been an increase in flu cases over the past few weeks, Atrium Health infectious disease expert Dr. Katie Passaretti said recently.

“We had the luxury of not having much, if any, flu season last year,” she said. “That isn’t where we are (this year).”

North Carolina is seeing more flu infections now than at any other time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, state officials said.

The flu and COVID-19 both spread through respiratory droplets, Passaretti said. So residents can protect themselves from both viruses by wearing masks and following social distancing practices.

Masks really work to protect people from respiratory viruses, Novant Health emergency medicine specialist Dr. Charles Bregier told the Observer recently. “I know people are tired of masking, especially indoors, but it is still an effective strategy,” he said.

Anyone with symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 should stay home from gatherings, Bregier said.

“If you’ve got a little bit of a cough, some body aches — stay home,” he said. “COVID is still rampant.”

And North Carolinians should get vaccinated against both viruses, Passaretti said.

COVID-19 booster doses are now available for anyone ages 16 and older.

One year after vaccine roll-out

COVID-19 vaccines were first distributed in North Carolina in December 2020. Passaretti was the first person in North Carolina to get the jab.

One year later, she said there was “so much excitement and overwhelming emotions” in the clinic that day.

“After the challenges of the first nine months of the pandemic, to know that there was hope to protect our communities — another tool in that battle against COVID — it was just a tremendous day that I’ll never forget,” Passaretti said.

One year since that first shot, 64% of North Carolina residents of all ages have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine.

The state rate lags behind the total rate for the U.S. Across the country, 72.3% of the population has gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

“I shudder to think what the last year would have been like without the protection of vaccines,” Passaretti said.

‘Be smart about masking’

Before traveling, Charlotteans should make sure their families are vaccinated and have gotten the booster COVID-19 dose, Passaretti said.

Research shows that additional booster dose adds more protection, she said.

“And be smart about masking and where you’re going for the holidays,” Passaretti added. “Crowded indoor settings with masses of people continue to not be the greatest idea. Make sure you’re taking those extra steps to protect yourself.”

Where to get COVID vaccine in the Charlotte area

Novant Health

Anyone eligible for the vaccine or booster dose can schedule an appointment with Novant Health using a MyChart account or at GetVaccinated.org.

Atrium Health

Eligible people can make appointments with Atrium Health through MyAtriumHealth or at AtriumHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine or by calling 704-468-8888.

Mecklenburg County Public Health

Anyone eligible for the shots can make an appointment with Mecklenburg County online or by calling 980-314-9400. More details are available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19.

StarMed Healthcare

Patients can register online for vaccines or booster doses with StarMed, or by calling 980-445-9818.

Pharmacies and other locations

To find other COVID-19 vaccine locations, visit Vaccines.gov to search by ZIP code.