Six more flu-related deaths reported in North Carolina amid ‘widespread’ activity
Six more flu-related deaths were reported in North Carolina, bringing the state total to 41 for the season, health officials said Thursday.
The six deaths were reported during the week of Jan. 12-18, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Of the total deaths reported in the state this season, one has been a child, the department says. Twenty-four have been ages 65 and older, eight have been ages 50-64 and eight ages 25 to 49.
There were 755 positive cases of the virus reported in the state last week, bringing the state total to 3,954 positive cases since flu season began on Sept. 29, the department says.
The numbers indicate a worse flu season this time around than last season. At this time last year, 26 flu-related deaths had been reported in North Carolina, according to the department.
There were a total of 203 flu-related deaths last season in the state, and there were more than 9,000 positive cases of the virus reported, the department says.
Flu activity was “widespread” in the state last week, the department says.
Hospital systems in North Carolina have visitor restrictions in place in response to flu activity.
In the Triangle, Duke Health, UNC Hospitals and WakeMed have restrictions in place for children under age 12 and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms.
This flu season has been especially hard on children.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there have been 39 pediatric flu-related deaths as of Jan. 11, which is more than this time last year, McClatchy News reported.
Influenza B is likely to blame for this.
This strain is more common in young people and can be severe for children, according to the CDC. Influenza B is dominant in the United States for the first time in 27 years, McClatchy News reported.
Additionally, this season’s flu shot hasn’t been as successful at combating the B strain of the virus, health officials say. But those who get the flu shot and still get the flu are less likely to have a severe case.
Can you still get a flu shot?
It’s still not too late to get a flu shot.
Although getting one by the end of October is best, getting one in January or later can still help protect against the flu, according to the CDC.
Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot with “rare exception,” the CDC says.
Flu shots should still be available at doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and health departments, the CDC says.
This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Six more flu-related deaths reported in North Carolina amid ‘widespread’ activity."
