Flu season arrives early to North Carolina

Flu season has arrived early this year — and health experts say campuses can be especially prone to the spread of the potentially lethal virus.

Three flu-associated deaths have already been reported ­in North Carolina since Oct. 6.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified N.C. as one of seven states with “regional influenza activity,” which is the second most severe rating, according to the CDC website.

Last season, flu-associated deaths were first reported in late January. This year’s early deaths have some scientists worried.

Zack Moore, a respiratory disease epidemiologist with the N.C. Division of Public Health, said the three reported deaths could mean a more intense flu season.

“It’s tough to predict the future,” he said. “But that’s an indicator that it’s likely to be a severe flu season.”

Moore added that some doctors do not report their findings to the state when they discover the illness, making it difficult to determine the actual number of flu-associated deaths.

“We don’t even hear about most people who die from complications with the flu,” he said. “We know we’re just getting the tip of the iceberg with these reports.”

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic is one of the only flu seasons in recent history to have deaths as early as the current one.

Mary Covington, executive director of Campus Health Services, said this year’s flu strain was anticipated by doctors and drug developers.

She added that it should be adequately handled by the newest vaccine.

“This seems to be the normal influenza virus. But that does not mean it won’t kill you,” she said.

Moore said populations that are susceptible to contracting the flu include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases.

Moore said college campuses can be a hotbed for the flu virus.

“You guys are our canaries in the coal mine. If we want a vision of what’s coming we can look at the colleges,” he said.

Covington said Campus Health Services recently confirmed its first flu diagnosis after weeks of cases involving influenza-type symptoms.

Students are especially prone to contracting the flu when their immune systems are suppressed from stress, lack of sleep and poor eating habits, she said.

Heather Paich, a graduate student involved in research at the UNC Gillings School of Public Health, said obesity has also recently been linked to increased susceptibility.

Sophomore Alexandra Farakish said she has not looked into receiving a flu vaccination yet this season.

“I should probably do that,” she said. “It’s just something you don’t really think about.”

Moore said nasal spray and vaccines injected into the skin are alternatives to the typical flu shot.

“Most people that get the flu are not going to die from it, but it can take you out of school, out of work and just be a miserable experience,” he said.

Contact the desk editor at state@dailytarheel.com.