Flu claims 15 more lives in North Carolina, bringing state total to 115 this season
Another 15 flu-related deaths were reported in North Carolina last week, health officials said Thursday.
The deaths were reported between Feb. 16 and Feb. 22 and bring the total number of flu-related deaths in the state to 115 for the season, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Fifteen deaths in one week is one of the highest numbers North Carolina has had this season.
The only week that has seen more flu-related deaths was the week before last, in which 17 were reported, the health department says.
No children died from flu-related illnesses last week, the health department says, but there have been three pediatric flu-related deaths reported in the state since the season began on Sept. 29.
Most of the deaths reported this season have been among those ages 65 and older, according to the department.
There were 971 positive tests for the virus reported in the state last week, the health department says. There have been more than 9,300 confirmed cases over the season.
This “widespread” flu activity comes amid rising concerns over coronavirus in the state and nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned earlier this week that it’s only a matter of time before the virus spreads in the United States and causes disruptions in the country.
There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in North Carolina, health officials emphasized, according to The News & Observer, but people should take “common-sense precautions” and businesses should be ready if employees need to stay home.
The state has been preparing for weeks, The News & Observer reports.
This flu season seems on track to pass last year’s in terms of the number of cases reported, which was more than 9,400 last year.
But the number of flu-related deaths is similar to last year’s numbers.
At this time last season, 117 deaths had been reported in the state, the health department says, and a total of 203 deaths were reported over the season.
Although it’s best to get your flu shot by the end of October every year, it may not be too late to do so now, the CDC says.
Shots should still be offered throughout flu season, even later than January, according to the CDC. Getting one now can still help protect against the virus.
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 2:38 PM.
