CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – Vesenta Watson spends most of his days working with Child Fund International and says he got sick a few months ago.
“Back in December, I came down terribly with the flu, and I was bedridden for several days,” he said.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the reported flu deaths for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday, saying more than 500 people diagnosed with flu died across North Carolina this past respiratory virus season. This marks the highest number of flu-related deaths since 2009, state health officials said, a fact that has left many, including Samalia Idris, in a state of shock.
Idris, who contracted COVID-19 a few years ago and had a brief hospital stay, now gets a flu shot every year. Her experience has taught her the importance of vaccination and she now takes her flu shot without fail, along with other preventive measures like wearing a mask.
Dr. David Weber with UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill says wearing a mask is one way to protect yourself because the numbers are higher than usual.
“We have seen high numbers this season, and here at our medical center, we have seen 12 deaths from influenza. They have been all adults so far this year,” he said.
Dr. Weber says the cases have begun dropping but still recommends the flu shot. He says that giving you immunity will still take about one to three weeks. He also says high-risk individuals with underlying heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or anyone older than 65 should still consider a flu shot.
“This year, if you look at the vaccine, most of the studies have shown it 50 to 60 percent effective keeping you from getting ill but more like 60 to 80 percent effective from getting hospitalized,” he said.
As the season winds down, Vasenta says he will be in line next season for a vaccine.
“Ultimately, I want to cover all bases to make sure I’m good, and hearing something like the numbers this season are terrible,” said Watson.
Dr. Weber strongly recommends a combination of preventive measures, including wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and getting a flu shot. He also points out that many local pharmacies offer flu shots for free, making it easier for everyone to stay safe.
NCDHHS officials said this grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses can be serious, and even deadly in some cases.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a released statement. “These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.”
“This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, interim state health director and NCDHHS chief medical officer. “I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and impact of our public health teams across the state. Now is the time to match that trust with stable, long-term investment in our public health workforce and infrastructure so we can continue to protect our communities for years to come.”
In early March, NCDHHS officials warned of a recent spike in flu cases throughout the state.
