Flu-related deaths in NC top more than 500 for the season, highest since 2009, NCDHHS says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 2024-2025 flu season has been active and deadly in North Carolina.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said its latest data showed more than 500 flu-related deaths statewide. The agency said this is the highest number of flu deaths reported since 2009 and since it started collecting data. Last year, 319 deaths were recorded.

In February, NCDHHS sounded the alarm after seeing the continued uptick in flu cases across the state. State health professionals said that while RSV and COVID-19 cases were spreading, influenza cases were spiking at a higher level.

"This was a particularly bad year in terms of numbers," said Dr. David Weber, of UNC School of Medicine.

Weber said that though there's nothing specific about this year's strain that makes it more contagious or deadly, lower vaccination rates have likely meant more infections, leading to more deaths.

"When you add up all those factors, more flu cases, somewhat reduced coverage and a vaccine that might not be quite as effective this year to some previous years, they all add together to more deaths," Weber said.

NCDHHS said this grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal flu and other respiratory viruses can be serious and, in some cases, deadly.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day."

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"Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick are important to help protect you and your family," State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said.

NCDHHS said recent federal cuts have affected flu prevention efforts.

"The abrupt and immediate termination of several federal grants in recent weeks have resulted in the loss of more than 80 jobs and at least $100 million for the department with more than $230 million in funding at risk," the agency said. "These dollars directly impact a number of areas including immunization efforts as well as infectious disease monitoring and response."

Recommendations

NCDHHS encourages people to get early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug, which can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin.

If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug.

Weber's advice: Get vaccinated if you can and use healthy, common-sense practices if you're not feeling well.

"If you do have an upper respiratory tract infection, stay home, don't infect your coworkers, and obviously try and avoid large family get-togethers," Weber said.

Medical professionals also encourage people with mild symptoms to consider going to an urgent care facility, explaining that it can be quicker and cheaper.

Treatment for flu and COVID-19 is especially important for people with severe illness and those who are at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions.

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Video is from a previous flu story: Flu-related deaths in NC hit 362 for the season, highest since 2017-2018 season: NCDHHS