Second wave of flu possible locally

January 18, 2013 1:47:21 PM PST
Nine more children have died from the flu across the country. Now, a second wave of the flu could make its way to North Carolina.

Health officials said the number of people getting sick in our state is dropping. However, that doesn't mean we're in the clear.

With flu season lasting through April, experts said it usually has its peaks and lows. Even with nine deaths in our state alone last week, several areas have already hit a peak and another peak could be on the way.

Doctors in the emergency room at WakeMed said they've seen their share of flu cases. Since the first week of October, more than 30 people have died from the flu in North Carolina.

With flu season being far from over, doctors can't stress enough the importance of getting that flu shot.

"It seems like more people are getting it," said Dr. Graham Snyder, of WakeMed. "The sheer raw number of people coming in with flu illnesses is much higher than years past. Individual cases don't seem any worse, but there are more of them."

Snyder said, even if you're not worried about the flu, the flu shot also helps so you don't spread to others who are more vulnerable such as the elderly or little children.

As always, practicing good hygiene and washing your hands is key.

Follow @abc11 on Twitter  |  Become a fan on Facebook

Load Comments