North Carolina among states with widespread flu outbreak

Flu season has arrived with a vengeance all across the country. At least 41 states, including North Carolina, have reported widespread outbreaks according to published reports.

Prior to winter break, UNC Charlotte’s Student Health Center (SHC) saw more than30 cases of the flu.  Although the incidence of flu dropped during the holidays, the Student Health Center is seeing more cases since the campus community started the spring semester.  Given recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SHC expects the number of patients presenting with flu symptoms will continue to increase.

The most recent influenza surveillance summary received by the SHC from the North Carolina Influenza Surveillance Network indicated that there have been 17 deaths associated with the flu in North Carolina since the beginning of flu season, most of these in the two weeks prior to the holidays.  Influenza network participants across North Carolina, which include doctor’s offices, public health departments, and student health centers, indicated that an average of 6.9 percent of their patients presented with flu-like symptoms.

Influenza A/H3 is the most prevalent strain SHC is seeing on campus.  This strain is covered in the current flu vaccine.

The CDC notes that a flu shot is the best tool available to stop the spread of the disease and strongly encourages everyone to get a flu shot.  The Student Health Center offers flu shots for students for $10.  SHC staff reminds individuals to wash hands frequently and to cover your mouth with your arm (not your hand) when coughing.  Individuals who become ill should not attend class or come to work.

The SHC Wellness Promotion Department has assembled flu kits for students who become ill.  Kits contain self-care items, including cough drops, fever reducer, soup, thermometers, etc.  Flu kits are available while supplies last.