Flu deaths spike to 67 across NC
Twenty-one new flu deaths were reported in North Carolina last week, bringing the total number of flu deaths this flu season to 67, according to data released Thursday by the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
Posted — UpdatedThe deaths were reported between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20.
At UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, doctors said 706 people have been diagnosed with the flu this month.
Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, with North Carolina Children's Hospital, said it is possible for a person to get the flu more than once.
"Becuase there are multiple strains of the flu, it is possible that someone might get sick with an influenza A strain earlier in the year, and then perhaps get an influenza B strain later in the year," he said. "It's why we're still emphasizing that there's time for people to get the vaccine."
Jhaveri also says it is important to try not to spread germs.
"Flu is transmitted by coughing and sneezing, in your secretions, and also from contact," he said. "Let's say I sneeze into my hand and shook somebody's hand. Then, I could transmit the flu."
The problem, Jhaveri says, is that the flu can be contagious before someone shows symptoms. However, a person is most contagious when he or she feels the worst.
"So, for that two to three days when people are the most sick, they're pretty wiped out, but that's when you're the most contagious," he said.
Flu symptoms include:
- A 100-degree or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- A cough and/or sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
It is not too late in the season to get a flu shot. The flu season can run into May.
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