Flu deaths continue to rise in NC, as pace of new cases eases a bit
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Flu deaths in North Carolina rose to 71 this season, adding 22 last week.
- Hospital visits and admissions dipped; ER visits just over 20%.
- Officials urge vaccination for children under 5 and those with chronic conditions.
The flu outbreak in North Carolina eased up a bit last week, even as the death toll from the respiratory illness continues to rise.
Another 22 people died in the state of complications of the flu last week, according to the latest data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. That brings the death toll to 71 since the season started in October.
People age 65 and older account for about 75% of flu deaths so far. Two who died were between the ages of 5 and 17.
The number of people showing up at hospitals with respiratory illnesses declined slightly from the week before. More than 20% of emergency room visits in the state last week were for flu-like illnesses, according to DHHS, down from more than 25% the week of Christmas.
Also last week, 3,419 people with respiratory illnesses were admitted to a hospital from an emergency department, about 200 fewer than a week earlier.
State officials say it’s still not too late to get vaccinated for the flu. They say it’s particularly important for those most vulnerable to the illness, including children under 5 and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Several hospitals in the state, including Duke, WakeMed, UNC Hospitals and UNC Rex, have placed restrictions on visitors to try to prevent the spread of the flu.
