NC reports 9 new flu-related deaths; 75 for season

Posted: Feb 13, 2020 / 12:52 PM EST / Updated: Feb 13, 2020 / 12:52 PM EST

FILE – In this Feb. 7, 2018 file photo, a nurse prepares a flu shot at the Salvation Army in Atlanta. The U.S. winter flu season is off to its earliest start in more than 15 years. An early barrage of illness in the South has begun to spread more broadly, and there’s a decent chance flu season could peak much earlier than normal, health officials say. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina health officials said the state recorded nine new flu-related deaths over the last week.

A total of 75 deaths have been reported since the start of the flu season in October.

The number of flu-like illnesses reported in outpatient visits is higher this year than in the previous two.

The CDC says symptoms of the flu include:

A fever of 100.4F/38C degrees or higher 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)

State health officials said the best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu shot.

Contact your health care provider or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a convenient location to get a flu vaccination near you.

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