First child dies this season from flu in North Carolina

The first child has died from flu for the 2016-2017 flu season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said.

A child in the western part of the state died Jan. 24 from complications associated with influenza infection.

The child’s hometown, county and gender are not being released to protect the family's privacy.

“If there is any positive to come from this tragedy, we hope it will be that people understand even though flu is a very common virus, it can cause serious and even deadly infections in some people," said acting state epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. "We extend our deepest sympathies to this child’s family.”

The CDC estimates that 3,000 to 49,000 people die from flu infections nationwide each year.

Certain groups are at higher risk for serious illness from flu, including those with underlying heart or lung disease, people older than 65 and children younger than 5.

For more information on flu and to find out where you can get a flu vaccination in your community, CLICK HERE.

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Cox Media Group