State's death toll from flu rises to 135
State health officials are reporting nine new flu deaths for last week, raising the total of fatalities from the respiratory illness this season to 135.
Posted — UpdatedThe N.C. Division of Public Health updated the data in a post on its website.
The new deaths were logged from March 3-9, and the official flu season began Sept. 30, 2018.
Although many have their own strategies for beating the flu, WRAL's Dr. Allen Mask said there are a few methods that are tried and true.
"Number one is get your flu vaccine. That's your best weapon against the flu. It's not too late to get it right now," he said.
Mask said people should never underestimate the power of a good hand washing, a quick swipe of a Clorox wipe over a desk and the keeping your distance from people who are sick.
"This infection is spread by respiratory droplets, so we think about six feet away is about the distance you need from someone," he said. "We really want people to stay home if they're sick."
Mask said that although there has been an increase in the severity of flu cases, flu season tends to peak in mid- to late February.
Flu season officially began last Oct. 1, and it typically runs through May.
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