The number of flu-related deaths continues to rise in North Carolina. According to the latest report from the North Carolina Division of Public Health, there have been 95 deaths since the season began in October.
The dominant strain this year is Influenza A (H3N2). Doctors say those who are under the age of 5 and older than 65 are hardest hit by this strain.
Tammy Koonce is a Communicable Disease Nurse Consultant in Guilford County. She says that with the flu, a person can be contagious for up to two days before symptoms show up, and it's important to seek medical care early on in the illness.
“We encourage people who have had the flu, to make sure that they are at least 24 hours without symptoms before returning back to their job or their school,” she says.
To avoid spreading the virus, Koonce recommends frequent hand washing, using a face mask if you already have the virus and disinfecting one's environment.
Flu symptoms can include a high fever, cough and sore throat, headache, and nausea.