BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Buncombe County Health Department is seeing an uptick in multiple respiratory viruses.

According to an article by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the NCDHHS updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths this season to 117.

KODY KINSLEY REFLECTS ON HEALTH CARE PROGRESS AS HE PREPARES TO LEAVE NC DHHS OFFICE

The article said influenza is spreading widely throughout the state and is likely to peak in the coming weeks, which is evident by the 51 new flu deaths added to the statewide dashboard on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Other latest local reports confirm eight flu deaths have occurred in Buncombe County alone this season.

“We are seeing an increase across the state of flu-like illness, as well as COVID-like illness,” said Ellis Matheson, Public Health Director for Buncombe County. “People visiting the emergency room, people admitted into the hospital — every year, we do unfortunately see some deaths from influenza.”

COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also continuing to spread, although RSV levels have been decreasing in recent weeks.

“While fewer flu-related deaths have been reported so far this season compared to last season, we are at the height of seasonal respiratory illnesses, and this is a reminder that influenza can be very serious,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH.

Matheson suggests the most affected are young children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 65, and individuals with underlying health conditions, but says there are preventative steps to take.

“I really encourage anyone who has not gotten their annual flu vaccine to please go and get their vaccine,” Matheson said. “Anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms and who is at risk for higher complications, make sure they notify their medical provider immediately.”

STATE HEALTH OFFICIAL WARNS OF TETANUS RISK FOLLOWING HURRICANE HELENE

For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing, and treatment in your community, visit Vaccines.gov, the NCDHHS Flu page, or its COVID page.

A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19, and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard.