29 Flu Deaths Reported In NC, More People Getting Sick

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NORTH CAROLINA — The number of flu deaths across the Carolinas is on the rise.

Flu deaths in the Carolinas have more than double in the past month and more people are getting sick.

It’s serious enough that school districts, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, are forcefully encouraging parents to keep sick kids at home. CMS says it’s seeing an uptick in flu cases.

It’s also affecting businesses.

The CDC estimated last season’s flu vaccine was about 40 percent effective. It’s still unknown how effective it will be this season.

Regardless, county health leaders say there’s still time to get the vaccine.

“Get the vaccine if you haven’t, stay home if you’re sick,” Meg Sullivan, Mecklenburg County Public Health Medical Director, said. “Make sure you’re practicing really good hand hygiene, cover your cough.”

The CDC says everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine.

There have been 29 flu-related deaths in North Carolina so far this flu season. In South Carolina, there have been 21.

Last year was the deadliest flu season in four decades.

Another thing to keep in mind during flu season is that certain foods you eat can help your immune system fight off illnesses.

Nutritionists recommend sticking with colorful foods, anything orange or yellow, such as Citrus fruits, strawberries or tomatoes. Leafy greens, like brussel sprouts, kale and broccoli also help the immune system.

And don’t forget about herbs and spices, such as turmeric and ginger, and other food like yogurt, that have all kinds of immunity benefits.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina health officials say four people died from the flu last week, raising the state’s death toll for the season to 29.

The N.C. Division of Public Health reported Thursday that of the total number of deaths, 20 were age 65 and older. That total also includes two people who died in previous weeks but whose deaths were not initially linked to the flu.

For the same time period in the 2017-18 flu season, there were 130 deaths.

Flu season officially began last Oct. 1, and it typically runs through March 31.