The caution North Carolinians have taken in hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing (the 3Ws) have helped to not only slow the spread of Covid, but also the flu, according to a new report by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
So far, there have only been 4 deaths from the flu reported to NCDHHS this season, that’s compared to 186 deaths last season, and over 200 deaths during the 2018-19 season. NC Medicaid has also seen a 98.2% reduction in Tamiflu claims.
“Reducing hospitalizations because of flu and other respiratory illness has been critically important to helping NC’s hospitals manage surges in COVID-19 cases,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “We must keep practicing preventative measures such as wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart and washing our hands so we can continue to help save lives.”
(2/2) Reducing hospitalizations from flu and other respiratory illness has helped NC’s hospitals manage COVID-19 surges. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and other seasonal respiratory viruses, so keep practicing the 3 Ws.
More at: https://t.co/8y4A9M36TQ— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) February 5, 2021
Keep up the good work North Carolina!