Flu cases on the rise in North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Health professionals are seeing a rise in cases of the flu in North Carolina right now. 

Family Nurse Practitioner Mickey Winfree with Novant Health said this up-tick is common during this time of the year likely because of the holidays when people are traveling and gathering. 

He said some of the symptoms to watch for are a fever, chills, and even fatigue. 

Winfree said some of the basic rules apply when it comes to slowing the spread. 

He encouraged people to keep hard surfaces wiped down and practice good hand washing habits. Winfree also recommended staying up to date on your vaccines. 

“It’s been shown to be very effective at reducing the risk of contracting the disease. It’s also shown to be very effective at reducing the severity of the disease if you do contract it after you’ve been vaccinated,” Winfree said. 

Winfree said more than anything, keep the health of others in mind and stay home if you’re sick.