NC DHHS: 26 New NC Flu Deaths Reported

The N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services reported 26 influenza-related deaths for the week of Jan. 4-Jan. 10.

That brings the total number of flu deaths in North Carolina up to 90 since the DHHS started monitoring flu cases back in early October, the start of flu season.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies told WCHL last week that the main strain, to this point, has been H3N2, which tends to cause more severe illness in the elderly.

“About two-thirds of the H3N2 that is circulating has not been well matched to the vaccine, unfortunately,” said Davis.

Still, officials are still encouraging North Carolinians to get the flu shot, because different strains of the virus may become prominent later in the season.