News Flash

For Immediate Release

04/14/2022    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth 

Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Uptick in Flu and COVID Cases as Preventative Measures Relax 

As we move into spring, more instances of the flu are now being reported across the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's most recent flu report, shows that cases of the flu are on the rise across the country, and hospital admissions have also seen an uptick over the past several weeks, due to the severity of the flu.

There have been at least 3.1 million flu illnesses, 31,000 hospitalizations and 1,800 deaths from the flu this season, according to the CDC. Influenza A H3N2 has been the most common flu virus this season, with states in the central and south-central regions of the country having the highest number of cases so far.

Usual at this time of year, our country has started to see the number of flu cases start to wind down by now. However, this year’s scenario is a little bit different. Last year, our country saw very little flu activity. It wasn't because the flu virus had totally disappeared, but it was due to the measures that people were already taking to combat COVID-19, such as wearing masks, limiting gatherings with others, and trying to move things outside to avoid confined spaces. By practicing these preventative measures, we not only limited the transmission of COVID-19 to some degree, but we were able to limit the transmission of the flu, as well. With less and less people not wearing masks now and more people starting to congregate with others, it is no surprise that we are seeing the number of flu cases starting to increase once again.

By getting an annual flu vaccine, it is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot, especially as the number of cases continue to rise. Flu vaccinations are particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications, which include, people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant people, and children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years old. 

With more cases being seen, it is important to realize that flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

For more information on where to get a flu shot, please visit the CDC’s vaccine website. Also note that Rowan County Public Health is offering flu vaccines at this time.  You can make an appointment  by calling 704-216-8777 and choosing Option #3. 

 In closing, we are unfortunately starting to see a small  wave of COVID-19 in wastewater collections and in case rates for young adults once again. With that being said, we encourage people to get vaccinated and/or boosted for COVID-19 as soon as possible, to practice good hand washing/sanitizing, as well as wearing a mask when in large groups, indoors, and/or in spaces without good ventilation.  For more information on where to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please visit our COVID-19 website or call Rowan County Public Health at 704-216-8777; Option #3 to make an appointment.  

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PIO Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - April 14, 2022 (PDF)