North Carolina hospitals saw a surge in treatment of respiratory illnesses after the holidays. Newly released numbers from the state on Wednesday showed a better understanding of how the flu is spreading in our communities.
As of Saturday, January 11, 15 more people have died from the flu, bringing the total flu deaths in North Carolina to 40 since October 2024. This figure comes from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Daniel Park, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at UNC Medical Center, described the past few weeks as a “pretty drastic increase” in flu and RSV cases. However, he said the numbers are starting to reflect pre-pandemic levels.
“We had what you may remember as a triple epidemic in 2022, when we were hit with COVID, flu and RSV at the same time,” Park said.
The good news is that the number of deaths is still well below the pace of the 2023-2024 season, when the state had 193 deaths. Doctors said last year, the state saw
For the week of January 11, 13% of emergency room patients had symptoms of a respiratory virus. This figure is down compared to the previous week, but remains up compared to the fall figures. There were 1,915 hospital emergency admissions for people diagnosed with or showing symptoms of a respiratory virus.
So far, no children have died from the flu this season. But Park said children, whose immune systems are developing, and elderly patients are particularly at higher risk of respiratory illnesses.
It’s important to practice habits adopted during the pandemic, such as washing hands and wiping frequently touched surfaces, according to Park.
“And again, if you have active symptoms, fever, cough, heavy nasal and oral discharge, stay home, stay away from large public spaces,” Park said.
Park said the flu season is not expected to peak until mid-February. He believes that vaccinations are the best precaution against respiratory diseases.
