The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health officials have issued swine flu resurgence warnings, with the number of flu deaths across the US remaining at epidemic levels.
In North Carolina the number of flu deaths now stands at 74, eight deaths this past week alone according to the DHHS and a record year for flu deaths. Last year, the state had 59 deaths the whole season, and only nine in 2012.
FastMed: Get Your Flu Shot
FastMed Urgent Care is renewing the alert that everyone who hasn’t gotten their flu shot should do so and still can at most FastMed locations while vaccine supplies last. FastMed is specifically urging kids and young adults to be vaccinated. The best protection against the flu is a flu shot, which is available at most FastMed clinics for anyone 6 months old or older. It takes at least two weeks to build up a full immunity against the virus. FastMed offers rapid flu diagnostic tests, visit your local FastMed clinic immediately if you suspect you have the flu. Rapid flu testing and treatment can help reduce your recovery time and prevent giving the flu to others.
This year’s biggest flu threat is the H1N1 virus, informally known as swine flu, and it is causing a record number of flu deaths between the ages of 25 to 65, those least likely to receive their flu shot.
Read recent health advisories below:
CBS News – CDC: Flu hit young, middle-aged adults harder this year
Forbes – Urgent CDC Warning Of Threat From H1N1 Swine Flu
WRAL Raleigh News – Eight more flu-related deaths reported in NC; total climbs to 74
WNCN News – DHHS says 10 people died between Jan. 26 and Feb. 1.