Flu Deadly in NC

Mature Woman with Cold

According to an article on WRAL.com, the number of cases of influenza jumped in December. A total of 13 people have died of flu this season, and 5 of those deaths happened just last week.

What’s most surprising is that seven of the 13 deaths happened to people in their prime, between the ages of 25 and 49. Five more of the deaths happened to people between the ages of 50 and 64.

Take care of yourself

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent or minimize the effects of the flu are to get a vaccine, which are available at most pharmacies and doctor offices. It’s not too late to get a vaccine–we’re only about in the middle of the flu season.

If you are sick, don’t visit with vulnerable people, such as small children, the elderly, or people in the hospital. In fact, Duke University Health System announced that it will be restricting patient visits in order to help stop the spread of influenza in its facilities, according to WRAL.com.

It’s also recommended that you stay home from work if you have symptoms of flu so that you don’t spread the virus around the workplace.

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, chills, and fatigue.  According to flu.nc.gov, seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
  • Signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing, being unable to urinate, or (in infants) crying without shedding tears
  • Seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)

Stay healthy!