RALEIGH, NC — State health officials say 21 people died from the flu in North Carolina last week, among them a victim between 5 and 17 years old.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday that in addition to the 21 deaths, four more deaths in previous weeks were determined to be flu-related. For the 2017-18 flu season, 67 people have died in the state.
As for the child, the report neither released an identity nor provided an age.
Of the 67 deaths, 42 were ages 65 and older, 18 were between 50 to 64, and four were from 25 to 49. The remaining three were listed as pediatric deaths.
To stem the rise in flu cases, hospitals across North Carolina are restricting access to visitors 12 and under.
Symptoms of the flu can include:
- fever (it’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
According to the CDC, most people who get the flu do not need antiviral medications or professional medical care. In most cases you should simply stay at home, get rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid contact with other people.
If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, officials say you should contact your health care provider. Additionally, anyone that has the flu and experiences any of the following symptoms should seek emergency care immediately:
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:
- Being unable to eat
- Has trouble breathing
- Has no tears when crying
- Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
More information on flu symptoms and treatments can be found on the Center For Disease Control’s (CDC) website by clicking here.
