North Carolina’s Flu Death Toll Reaches 200

CHARLOTTE, NC — The flu continues to take a hard toll on North Carolina, with 27 deaths reported this week, bringing the statewide death toll to 200 since flu season began in October, according to state officials.

Epidemiologists warn that the flu season in North Carolina could stretch into late May, much like last year’s season that saw 218 deaths as a result of the flu, The Charlotte Observer said.

“We just encourage everyone to continue to be vigilant,” Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of infectious disease at Atrium told the newspaper. “That includes throwing away used tissues and staying home from work or school when sick. “Be smart and protect yourself.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, Influenza is widespread in 48 states while two states — Oregon, the District of Columbia and Hawaii — do not have widespread flu activity. Influenza-like illness is considered high in North Carolina, as well as 31 other states.

SEE ALSO: Charlotte's Flu Severity Level Among Highest In US: Report

The particularly bad season is attributed to infections from a flu strain known as H3N2. It doesn't respond well to vaccinations and is particularly dangerous to young children and older adults over the age of 65.

Here are tips to avoid the flu and curb its spread, provided by the Centers for Disease Control:

• Stay home if you are sick. With the exception of seeking medical care, do not go out until 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of medication.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have become contaminated with germs.
• Avoid others who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw away tissues after use.

To treat the flu, use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup to relieve symptoms. Rest in bed and drink lots of fluids. If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug, which will reduce the severity of symptoms and length of the illness.

You can be contagious from one day before and up to seven days after becoming sick.

So far, the 2018 flu season has not reached historic levels, but it is on par with the worst flu season in recent years, the 2014-2015 season. As with any flu virus, the people most at risk are the elderly, children under five, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

Patch Editor Deb Belt contributed to this report.

Photo via Shutterstock

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