A child was among 9 flu-related deaths reported in one week in NC, officials say
Nine more flu-related deaths were reported in North Carolina, bringing the state total to 21 amid “widespread activity,” officials say.
A child was among those who died, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday.
Of the 21 deaths reported, 14 were among people 65 and older, the department said. Three were between the ages of 50 and 64, three were between 25 and 49, and one was between 5 and 17.
The numbers reflect reported cases during the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4, health officials said.
There were a total of 865 positive tests for the flu reported in the state last week, according to the department. A total of 2,638 have been reported since flu season started on Sept. 29.
Last year, there were a total of 203 flu-related deaths and more than 9,000 positive cases of the virus reported in the state, according to the department. At this time last year, 21 deaths had been reported.
Flu activity was “widespread” in the state last week, officials said.
In response to increased flu activity, hospitals across the state have visitor restrictions in place.
In the Triangle, the Duke hospital system, UNC hospitals, including REX in Raleigh, and WakeMed have visitor restrictions in place.
Charlotte-area hospitals also have similar restrictions, The Observer reported.
Can you still get a flu shot?
It’s best to get the flu shot by the end of October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But if you haven’t gotten one, you still can.
Getting vaccinated in January or later can still protect against the flu, the CDC says.
Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the shot with “rare exceptions,” the CDC says.
Flu shots should still be available at many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments and pharmacies, according to the CDC.
This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 1:10 PM.
