NCDHHS Health Officials Report 13 New Flu Deaths

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina health officials say 13 people died from the flu in the state last week, raising the death toll for the season to 68. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported Thursday that three additional deaths in previous weeks have been attributed to the flu.

So far, 48 of the victims were ages 65 or older. Another 13 were in the 50-to-64 age group and seven were in the 25-to-49 age group.

Officials say the latest report may not reflect the total number of flu deaths in the state because some cases go unreported or undiagnosed.

For the same time period in the previous flu season, officials reported 212 deaths.

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Information from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Everyone should use precautions to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses, including:

Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then discard the tissue promptly

If you are sick with flu, staying home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours
Anyone who thinks they have the flu should contact their doctor right away to see if they need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug, such as Tamiflu. Early treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Treatment with a prescription antiviral drug is especially important for hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness and those who are at high risk of serious flu complications based on their age or health.

For more information, including weekly updates on flu surveillance data and to find out where you can get a flu vaccination in your community, visit www.flu.nc.gov.