flu.nc.govDHHS: DPH: North Carolina Influenza Update

Your browser is extremely outdated and cannot properly display our website. Update your browser!NC DHHS NC.GOV AGENCIES JOBS SERVICES Toggle navigation Home Prevention Prevent Seasonal Flu Guidance for Childcare, Schools and Colleges Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) News Materials NC Flu Data For Providers Memos Guidance for Older Adults Guidance for Children Guidance for Pregnant Women Contacts DHHS Flu Seasonal Influenza (Flu)December 2-8: National Influenza Vaccination Week Prevent Seasonal Flu (CDC)NC Flu DataCDC Seasonal Flu Poster NC Flu Data Webinars related to Minority Health and Health Disparities See List of WebinarsAbout the Office Vision, Mission and Major Focus Areas More InformationWhat’s New Oral Health Equity - Celebrating Over 100 Years of Oral Public Health in North Carolina (3 MB PDF)About the Influenza (Flu) VirusProtect yourself and those around you during flu season and get your flu vaccine. It’s available in nearly every pharmacy, doctor’s office, and even curbside. Plus, you can often get it at little to no cost. Don’t wait. Get your flu vaccine. Get it. Got it. Good.About the Flu The flu is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Those at high risk for serious flu complications include older people, young children, people with certain health conditions or compromised immune systems. During October through May, NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health provides weekly updates on the spread of respiratory diseases, including influenza and COVID-19, in North Carolina.Get Vaccinated The first and most important step in protecting you and your family from the flu virus is to get a flu vaccine each year, and it is more important than ever with this flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact your health care provider or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a convenient location to get a flu vaccination near you. For more information and to find shareable graphics visit: MySpot.nc.gov/flu Symptoms Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and can include: Fever or feeling feverish/chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue (tiredness) Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle pain or body aches Headache Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above. COVID-19 seems to cause more serious illnesses in some people. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Learn more about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). North Carolina Immunization Branch What We Do The Division of Public Health, part of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential programs and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. Disease prevention, health services and health promotion programs protect entire communities – not just individuals – from untoward outcomes such as communicable diseases, epidemics, and contaminated food and water. We work daily to reduce the impact of chronic and oral diseases. Learn More About the Division Last Modified: August 3, 2023 CONTACT INFORMATION NC Department of Health and Human Services 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2001 NCDHHS Customer Service Center : 1-800-662-7030 Visit RelayNC for information about TTY services. FOLLOW US Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Employee Directory nc.gov Accessibility Disclaimer and Terms of Use Privacy Policy Open...