North Carolina hospitals have seen a rise in respiratory illness treatment following the holiday season. As of January 11, the state has reported 40 flu deaths since October 2024, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The latest numbers show a drastic increase in cases of flu and RSV, with 1,915 hospital admissions reported for people diagnosed with or showing symptoms of respiratory viruses. However, doctors note that the number of deaths remains lower than expected this season.
Dr. Daniel Park, Medical Director of UNC Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department, warns that children and elderly patients are at a higher risk of severe respiratory illnesses due to their developing immune systems. He advises practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and staying home if symptoms persist.
Park emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in preventing respiratory illnesses, stating that flu season is not expected to peak until mid-February. The latest data also shows 13% of emergency room patients had symptoms of a respiratory virus last week, down from the previous week but still higher than fall numbers.
Source: https://www.wral.com/news/local/north-carolina-flu-deaths-surge-january-2025