NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The flu is spreading widely throughout the state and is likely to peak in the coming weeks, the NC Department of Health and Human Services said.
NCDHHS reports 51 new flu deaths were added to the statewide dashboard on Wednesday, Feb. 5, but the newly added deaths occurred over the last few weeks due to delays in reporting.
COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also continuing to spread, although RSV levels have been decreasing in recent weeks, health officials said.
The increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths has brought the total number of deaths this season to 117.
“We are at the height of seasonal respiratory illnesses and this is a reminder that influenza can be very serious,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough, and staying home when sick are important.”
Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious, NCDHHS stated.
“Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment for flu and COVID-19 is especially important for people with severe illness and those who are at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions,” NCDHHS said.
NCDHHS stresses it’s not too late to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as they are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from these infections.
