DHHS: Flu season has peaked, still a threat
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- At a news conference Friday, NC DHHS officials said the flu season peaked at the end of December, but still remains a big threat.
That death toll stands at 90 since the season started in October, which is considered a moderate to severe epidemic. Of the 90 deaths this flu season, 72 of them have been age 65 and older.
Last season, the state reported 107 people died from flu-related symptoms.
The number of flu cases treated at outpatient centers in the state declined significantly last week.
This year's flu strain has been aggressive and intense. One of the biggest problems this flu season is that the vaccine formulated with last year's flu strains in mind isn't as effective as planners had hoped. Now, health leaders fear that is keeping many from getting the vaccine.
Even at estimated effectiveness of 23-percent, doctors said it can still save your life and it's not too late to get it.
Two doctors with DHHS said they don't want that statistic to allow parents to let their guard down. They said everyone should be vigilant in remaining healthy by eating right, using good hygiene, and sticking with maintenance medicines for things like asthma.
Despite its lack of effectiveness against the current H3n2 strain of the flu virus, you should still get the vaccine.
"It can still protect against severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death even if it doesn't prevent the infection," said Dr. Zach Moore, with DHHS. "And then there's also the consideration about what might come later in the season, which hopefully will be not much, but we do sometimes see other strains that crop up later on. So, we encourage people to get protected even now."
The doctors said although it appears the flu season has peaked, they warn there will likely be more deaths as some already infected lose their battle against the flu.
Get more information at www.flu.nc.gov.
