For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: November 3, 2006

North Carolinians Urged to Help Stop Spread of Flu

RALEIGH – In the wake of yesterday’s preliminary confirmation of the state’s first two flu cases this season, public health officials urge North Carolinians to take measures to prevent spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses.

“This is good common sense,” says State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin. “We call it respiratory etiquette – covering your coughs and sneezes and using tissues. Just like they teach you in kindergarten, you need to thoroughly wash your hands.”

Dr. Devlin says that people with flulike symptoms – a temperature 100 F or higher, a cough and/or a sore throat – should limit their exposure to others. “If you are sick, stay home,” she said. “There is no need to spread your viruses around.”

Earlier this week, Yancey County public school officials closed schools after more than 16 percent of the student body was absent with flulike symptoms. Yesterday, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health preliminary confirmed two cases from Yancey County as Type B influenza. An absolute laboratory confirmation will not be available until next week.

There are two kinds of influenza that commonly infect humans – Type B and Type A. Influenza B is generally less serious than Influenza A. It is too early too know what the predominant strain of flu will be during this year’s season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been other reports of influenza in the country and most of the viruses reported in the southeast have been in children. Both Type A an Type B have been reported elsewhere.

According to the CDC, a record amount of flu vaccine has been produced this year, but there are still some problems in the vaccine distribution process. Now through December is a good time to get your annual flu shot.