By Clayton Henkel

NC Newsline

Consider it a gift that you’d like to return.

Days after Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings where people celebrated in close quarters, cases of flu and COVID-19 are on the rise.

Data released Wednesday by the NC Department of Health and Human Services found that more than 22 percent of the emergency room visits for the last week in December had symptoms of a respiratory virus.

There were 923 hospital admissions for individuals dealing with COVID and 1,055 who were admitted struggling with influenza. That’s an increase from just prior to Christmas when hospital admissions were 710 for COVID and 722 for the flu.

One bright spot is that RSV-like illnesses took a slight dip heading into 2024.

While sneezing, coughs and colds are part of every winter, NC DHHS advises that individuals even with mild symptoms should seek out testing and treatment from their health care provider or local urgent care office rather than going directly to the emergency department.

Early testing and treatment can actually speed recovery and help ease any possible strain on the state’s hospital systems.

“Don’t wait to seek treatment if you test positive for the flu or COVID-19, as treatments can help prevent severe illness, especially for those who are high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions,” advised Dr. Betsey Tilson, State Health Director and chief medical officer.

North Carolina has recorded 52 flu deaths this season, including two children under the age of four.

One challenge for healthcare providers in North Carolina and nationwide remains vaccine hesitancy.

As of early December, a total of 7.80 million fewer doses of the flu vaccine were administered in pharmacies and medical offices compared to the same time in 2022, according to the CDC. Only 17 percent of Americans have had the updated bivalent booster dose that became available last fall.

Vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID are still very effective, even as we are approaching the peak of winter respiratory virus season.

For those who don’t opt to get vaccinated, state health officials remind people who are feeling sick to stay home rather than go to school or work where viruses can easily be spread to others.

Earlier this week, UNC Hospitals announced it would be limiting visitors in inpatient areas and all waiting rooms because of the increase in respiratory illnesses.