Flu season in North Carolina | 12 flu-related deaths reported last week, total reaches 39, officials confirm

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — North Carolina health officials report 12 new flu-related deaths in the past week, bringing the season’s total to 39.

There is a tremendous spike in flu cases and other respiratory illnesses, said Dr. David Weber, the medical director of the Department of Infection Prevention and associate chief medical officer at USC Hospitals.

Several hospitals in the Triangle area have implemented visitor restrictions to curb the spread.

“We’re, in fact, already at the same height that we had in our biggest past several years,” However, we don’t expect that the number will actually peak until late January to mid-February,” Dr. Weber said.

SEE ALSO: First NC child flu death reported this season: NCDHHS

According to the state health department, as of Dec. 31, almost 25 percent of emergency room visits had symptoms of respiratory viruses, with the flu being the most prevalent.

CDC estimated that nationwide, there have been at least 7.5 million people sick with the flu this season based on data through Dec. 20.

Dr. Weber said these spikes are generally due to holiday gatherings and travel, predicting continued increase in the coming weeks.

A new flu variant, Subclade-K, is driving most cases and is not covered by the current vaccine.

Despite this, doctors urge vaccination and recommend preventive measures like handwashing, staying home when sick, and wearing masks in public if symptomatic.

Editor’s Note: Featured video is from a previous report.