Nearly 250 people have died from the flu in NC this season. What’s behind the outbreak?
Nearly 250 people in North Carolina have died from influenza since late last year, and case counts are still on the rise.
There have been 246 flu-related deaths in North Carolina since Oct. 5, according to data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The number of deaths peaked during the week of Feb. 8, with 57 reported during that time frame, data shows.
However, data also shows that fewer people are visiting the emergency room for flu-like illnesses.
Emergency department visits for flu-like illness made up 11% of total visits in the Charlotte metro region and 6.8% in the Raleigh-Durham region during the week of Feb. 15, NCDHHS data shows. (For comparison, visits for flu-like illness made up 16% and about 8.8% of total visits the previous week, respectively, in each region.)
Here’s why cases are spiking, who is most at risk for severe illness from the flu and whether it’s too late to get a vaccine.
Why are flu cases spiking in NC?
The rise in flu cases could be due to a number of factors, including the time of year and low vaccination rates, Dr. Abhi Mehrotra, an emergency physician at UNC Health Mehrotra, previously told The Charlotte Observer.
“We’re in what we call that respiratory season,” Mehrotra said. “It’s not unusual historically to see high numbers of respiratory viruses floating around during this time frame.”
High case counts could also be the result of relatively low flu vaccination rates and more social interaction among people who could be contagious, Mehrotra said. An estimated 45% of adults in North Carolina have received their flu shot this season, according to the latest CDC data available.
The flu strains circulating this year could also be more virulent, Mehrotra said, meaning they could cause more severe illness than others.
Based on data from UNC Medical Center, flu cases in North Carolina have not peaked yet, Mehrotra said.
“It looks like we’re still on the upswing from the positivity rates that we have,” he said, noting that it can be tough to predict then the peak will occur.
Who is most at risk of severe illness from the flu?
Mehrotra said people who are most at risk of developing severe illness from the flu include those who:
Have weakened immune system
Are on multiple medications
Have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or lung diseases
How to avoid the flu
Masking, getting vaccinated, washing your hands frequently, sneezing in your arm and staying home when your sick are all effective ways to avoid catching and spreading the flu, Mehrotra said.
There are simple and effective oral antiviral therapies for the flu, but you need to start them early. You only have 48 hours from the earliest symptoms for flu cases.
Is it too late to get a flu vaccine?
No, it’s not too late, Mehrotra said.
“There’s still an opportunity to go and get one, and they’re still available,” said Mehrotra. “So absolutely think about pursuing getting a vaccine for influenza if you haven’t already.”
Where to get a flu vaccine in NC
You can visit any of the following places for flu vaccines in NC:
▪ Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at national pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter, Publix and Carlie C’s.
▪ Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
The News & Observer’s Kimberly Tutuska contributed to this story.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Nearly 250 people have died from the flu in NC this season. What’s behind the outbreak?."
