BISMARCK – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging residents to take precautions as influenza activity remains high, with newly reported influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths.

This season, 5,166 influenza cases have been reported to HHS, according to the state agency. Of those, 1,481 cases have been in children younger than age 10. Across all age groups, there have been 383 hospitalizations for influenza and five influenza-associated deaths. Three of the deaths that occurred were adults, and two were children younger than 10.

North Dakota previously experienced pediatric deaths in 2011 and 2016.

HHS uses national standard criteria when thoroughly investigating pediatric deaths due to influenza, COVID or RSV. To protect confidentiality, no additional information about these cases will be released, HHS stated.

While most people recover from influenza without complications, it can cause serious illness leading to health care visits, hospitalization and potentially, death, HHS reported.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches and runny or stuffy nose.

HHS advises people protect themselves by getting vaccinated, testing early if symptoms develop, staying home when sick, avoiding closing contact with people who are ill, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, taking influenza antivirals as prescribed and maintaining healthy behaviors, such as hydration, adequate sleep, exercise and healthy diet. Sick individuals can return to activities in the public once feeling better and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Anyone six months and older can receive the influenza vaccine. Nationally, 289 pediatric deaths were reported last flu season, with 89% of children eligible for vaccination not fully vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination is especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness, such as children younger than 5, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. Most people will only need one yearly vaccine. Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years need two doses given one month apart if it is their first time being vaccinated.

According to HHS, people who are sick with flu and at higher risk of complications should contact their health care provider promptly to discuss influenza antiviral treatment. Most people who are not high risk for severe influenza can manage their illness at home.

Emergency symptoms of influenza in adults that require immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, ongoing dizziness, difficulty waking or confusion, dehydration, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions and severe weakness or muscle pain.

Emergency symptoms in children can also include fast breathing or ribs that pull in with each breath; gray or blue lips or nail beds; no tears when crying and a dry mouth, along with not needing to urinate; symptoms, such as fever or cough, that get better but then come back or get worse.