NC Flu Deaths Report

 NORTH CAROLINA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE SUMMARY: WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 22, 2018 

The annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting you and your family from the influenza (flu) virus. Yet, many North Carolinians go the entire flu season — October through May — without getting vaccinated. Enter the Shot Dodgers with their common reasons for skipping the flu vaccine. While these characters dodge the vaccine, they don’t always dodge the flu. And, the flu knocks everyone off their game.

Don’t be a Shot Dodger! Contact your health care provider or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a convenient location to get a flu vaccination near you.

About Influenza (Flu) Viruses
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people — such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions — are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Seasonal influenza vaccine must be changed each year as the viruses naturally change over time.

To avoid catching the flu, get vaccinated each year and practice good hand hygiene. To avoid giving the flu to others, stay home when you are sick, cough or sneeze into tissues and discard them properly, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an approved hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

During October through May, the N.C. Division of Public Health provides weekly updates on the spread of the influenza in North Carolina.

Flu symptoms include:
A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Source: CDC.gov

       NORTH CAROLINA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE SUMMARY: WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 22, 2018 

North Carolina Influenza Statistics (Updated October - May)
NORTH CAROLINA INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE SUMMARY: WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 22, 2018
Influenza-like Illness graph
N.C. Flu-Associated Deaths*
1
New Flu Deaths 12/16/18-12/22/18

10
Total Flu Deaths This Season (9/30/2018-5/18/2019)

*Influenza-associated Deaths –This number is based on reports submitted by providers to the North Carolina Division of Public Health. An influenza-associated death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death (adult or pediatric) resulting from a clinically compatible illness that was confirmed to be influenza by an appropriate laboratory or rapid diagnostic test with no period of complete recovery between the illness and death. Deaths that occurred on or after 9/30/2019 will be reflected in the 2019-20 season.