RALEIGH – Thirty people have died from the flu in North Carolina this flu season.
That includes 27 adults and three children, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Division.
The laboratory-confirmed flu-related deaths were recorded from early October to December 23 last year.
December 10-16 and December 17-23 were the weeks with the highest number of deaths, with more than five people each week.
The same thing happened in the first week of December, too, with more than five deaths reported.
In the United States, seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are found year-round, but they typically spread during the fall and winter, known as flu season. Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to mild illness. Sometimes it results in death.
People most at risk of serious complications from the flu are older adults, young children, and people with certain health problems or compromised immune systems.
red spotlight
On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s latest map, North Carolina’s flu cases are in the red, or very active, level for the week of Dec. 10-16. , its English abbreviation. ).
This means there is a high level of activity in visits for respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough or sore throat.
Symptoms to consider
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health explains that flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and may include:
• Have a fever or feel feverish/chilled.
• cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue (tiredness).
• sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body pain.
• Headache.
He noted that some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults.
The influenza virus can cause mild to severe illness, including the common signs and symptoms listed above.
Protect yourself from the flu
The CDC says the best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year, but good habits can help, too. Therefore, he made the following recommendations:
- Avoid close contact with infected people. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent them from getting sick too.
- stay at home.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This is crucial because influenza viruses are spread primarily through airborne droplets produced when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- handwashing. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.