Today the North Carolina Health and Human Services Department confirmed that 12 more people have died from this season’s flu virus. The new numbers cover the time between Feb. 25 and March 3.
This is now one of the worst years for the flu outbreak in recent history, with a total of 276 deaths in North Carolina from flu-related symptoms since Oct. 1st, 2017.
To make matters even worse, those numbers only reflect deaths of people who tested positive for the flu and that were actually reported to the state. There are likely far more flu-related deaths across the state that were misdiagnosed or unreported.
The NCHHSD warns people who think they might have the flu to contact their doctor immediately to see if they need treatment with an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu or a more natural remedy such as Oscillococcinum.
“Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Treatment with a prescription antiviral drug is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness and people who are at high risk of serious flu complications based on their age or health.”
Other precautions people can take to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses include:
- Staying home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
- Washing hands frequently, preferably with soap and water