The Flu Is Claiming More Lives In North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, NC.– Older people and young children are most at risk to die from the flu. Daycares in Charlotte are taking extra steps to make sure children are safe. Several daycares tell WCCB they are sanitizing their facilities twice as often, and when the day ends, they disinfect all surfaces and toys. But most of those who have died of the flu here in North Carolina are over age 65.

People of all ages head into the grocery store, grabbing carts. which means a cesspool for germs. That’s why Carlton Barnes, makes sure he disinfects his grocery cart first.

He says, “Even though I have the vaccine, I know that I could still get it.”

Barnes got the flu shot, but he may not be immune because there are several strains this year.

“The flu shot is really only going to protect against 3 or 4 different strains,” Owner of Carolina Physical Medicine Dr. Tony Hyser.

Dr. Tony says those who die from the flu usually have other medical issues.

“I’m asthmatic, so this is why I got this on,” says Matthews resident Lillian Williams.

Lillian Williams is in the high-risk category. She doesn’t have the flu and doesn’t want it. So she never leaves home without her mask.

“I don’t care if I look ridiculous, a lot of people think that I’m contagious, they don’t know that I’m trying to not get contagious.”

Pharmacies say people are flocking to them for Tamiflu. The antiviral medication treats symptoms caused by the flu. Pharmacies are running out and keep ordering more. Doctors say before you try to treat flu-like symptoms, make sure you actually have flu and not something else.

“Even if the flu shot works, it’s not going to protect against those viruses,” says Dr. Tony.

That’s why doctors say building your immune system by making healthy choices is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t get sick.