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According to recent numbers from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), 311 people have died from influenza across the state since Oct. 5, 2024. 

Five of those deaths were from Beaufort County, JaNell Octigan, Beaufort County Public Health Director said. All of them were adults between the ages of 36 to 84. 

Most flu related deaths in North Carolina were among adults 65 and older with 229 deaths, NC DHHS reports. They shared on Feb. 12 two flu related deaths were children between the ages of 5 – 17. One child was from eastern North Carolina and the other was from the central portion of the state

Earlier this month, North Carolina saw a spike in respiratory illnesses. In the week ending on Feb. 8, 21.4% of emergency department visits had symptoms of a respiratory virus of which 13.1% of visits presented influenza-like symptoms; 3.3% had COVID-like symptoms and 1.2% had RSV-like symptoms. The following week, the total percentage of respiratory virus visits decreased to 17.7%, and as of Feb. 26, the number further decreased to 13.9%, the NC DHHS Respiratory Virus Dashboard shows. 

Last week there were 1,969 statewide hospital admissions from the emergency department for people who were diagnosed with or had symptoms of a respiratory virus which is a decrease from the week before in which there were 2,781 hospital admissions, according to NC DHHS. 

Though the NC DHHS and Beaufort County Health Department can collect data on the number of patients with respiratory illnesses who are treated at hospitals, it can still be difficult to get the actual number of flu cases in an area. At-home flu tests make it possible for people to know if they have the flu in as little as 15 minutes; therefore, a person could test positive who is not in a clinic or hospital which means that number would not be reported. 

As of Tuesday, Feb. 25, there were a reported 200 cases of respiratory cases at ECU Health Main Campus in Greenville – most of which were Influenza-A related. This is a decrease from reports from the week ending on Jan. 25 which saw over 450 cases where most were Influenza-A related. 

Octigan said the number of respiratory cases begins to decline toward the end of February as the weather warms up heading into spring. 

Octigan emphasized that people can best protect themselves against the flu by getting an annual vaccine, preferably before flu season begins around September or October. 

Other tips she suggests include: 

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones. 
• If you smoke, quit smoking, as it weakens your immune system. 

In October, the Beaufort County Health Department hosts drive thru vaccine clinics where no appointment is needed in order to get a vaccine. People who would like a vaccine and other immunizations may do so by scheduling an appointment. To schedule an appointment call, 252-946-1902.