Flu activity in North Carolina “very high” as holidays approach

The worst flu outbreak in additional than a decade is hitting practically each state within the nation onerous. North Carolina is not any exception.

Driving the information: North Carolina was certainly one of 30 states with “very excessive” ranges of influenza exercise in early December, based on the latest information launched by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

Why it issues: For the third winter in a row, well being techniques are stretched to a breaking level across the holidays. COVID-19, flu and RSV instances this yr have brought about some suppliers to open overflow models and prolong their hours.

• One pediatric main care supplier at UNC Well being not too long ago prolonged its hours to 8pm each weekday to regulate to the excessive variety of instances, UNC Well being spokesperson Alan Wolf instructed Axios.
• “It is simply indicative of the scenario we’re in, that there is simply that many sufferers,” Wolf mentioned.

Context: Influenza instances normally peak in January or February. The surge got here a lot earlier this yr. Greater than 6% of emergency division sufferers statewide had flu-like signs in November.

By the numbers: UNC Well being’s Rex hospitals and clinics in Wake County had practically 2,200 flu instances final month, Wolf mentioned.

• In November of final yr, that complete was 175.
• In 2020, it was simply 9.

Sure, however: Optimistic flu checks and flu-like sicknesses have decreased general since November.

• In late November and early December, just below 4% of emergency division sufferers had flu-like signs, down from practically 5% the earlier week. The variety of constructive flu checks additionally decreased throughout that point.

“The intense spot of the pandemic,” Wolf mentioned, “is we did actually be taught some good steps to take to forestall sickness.”

The underside line: Get the flu vaccination and COVID booster, and if you happen to’re not feeling nicely, keep dwelling.

• North Carolina’s Division of Well being and Human Providers additionally recommends washing your palms and overlaying your coughs and sneezes.
• It additionally does not harm to put on a masks and keep away from individuals if you happen to can, Wolf mentioned.