Another flu-related death reported in North Carolina; Duke hospitals restrict visitors
Another flu-related death was reported in North Carolina, bringing the state’s total to six this season.
One flu-related death was reported in the state during the week of Dec. 8-14, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Five of the six people who have died were age 65 and older, according to the department. One was between the ages of 25 and 49.
A total of 201 positive tests for the flu virus were reported last week, the department says. So far this flu season, North Carolina has seen 581 positive tests.
In their latest report, health officials described the state’s flu activity as “widespread.”
Citing flu concerns, the Duke University Health System will restrict visitors at its hospitals, clinics and surgery centers starting Friday, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner.
Patients cannot have more than two visitors at a time, children under 12 will not be allowed to visit without approval, and visitors should not have any flu-like symptoms, the station reports.
Peak flu season is usually between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but it can still be beneficial to get a flu shot. Although it’s best to get the vaccine in October, getting one “even into January or later” can still protect you from the virus, the CDC says.
Last year, 203 people died from flu-related illnesses in North Carolina, The News & Observer reported.
By this time last year, nine flu-related deaths had been reported in the state.
This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 2:21 PM.
