Flu-related in the state are now nearly on par with the fatalities caused during COVID-19
The US state of North Carolina has reported a record number of flu deaths this respiratory virus season, according to state health officials. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said more than 500 flu-related deaths were reported for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, marking the highest statewide total since reporting in nearly two decades.
“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,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Devdutta Sangvai said in a statement.
“Their work saves lives every single day,” he added.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, flu-related fatalities in the state are now nearly on par with the fatalities caused during the COVID-19 pandemic—known to be a more severe illness than the flu. The CDC had reported more than 600 deaths related to coronavirus in the state between October and April 2020-21.
According to officials, federal funding cuts to the state have massively impacted their ability to protect the health and well-being of North Carolinians, leaving the state vulnerable to public health threats. In the last few weeks, the Department of Government Efficiency has been making steep cuts to the federal workforce and funding for scientific and health-related research across the country.
How to manage symptoms of the flu?
The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus and leads to symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever, and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months when many people can get sick at once.
To manage the symptoms, you can:
- Take plenty of rest
- Drink fluids like water or broth to help prevent dehydration
- Apply heat packs or hot water bottles that help with aching muscles
- Take acetaminophen or Tylenol that helps lower your fever and relieve head and body aches
- Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can help with a runny or stuffy nose
- Take cough suppressants like dextromethorphan that can help calm a nagging cough
- Use expectorants like guaifenesin to make it easier to clear mucus out of your lungs.
However, according to experts, not everyone should take certain over-the-counter medications, so you must always take them in consultation with your doctors. It is also a good idea to make sure certain medications are okay to use together or with supplements.
Make sure to not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless their provider says it’s okay.
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