CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Another person has died from flu complications in North Carolina this week, bringing the state to four deaths this flu season.
But it’s not the only respiratory virus to be wary of as we head into the holidays.
"We’re back to living our lives and gathering and with that we’re seeing a kind of return to normal respiratory viral season which now includes COVID," Dr. Katie Passaretti with Atrium Health said.
COVID-19, the flu and RSV have all been on the rise, according to new state data. COVID-19 cases are up 15%, RSV is up 21%, and flu cases are up by a staggering 84% in the past year.
Positive RSV cases have also surpassed COVID-19 cases for the first time in at least the past year.
Health officials like Courtney Meece with Rowan County Health Department say similar symptoms are still making it difficult to tell what you’ve come down with.
"Runny nose, some congestion, some difficulty sleeping, fatigue, possibly a sore throat," Meece said.
But the best prevention? Getting tested.
"It’s better to test and find out for sure," Meece said.
Getting up-to-date vaccinations and following common health practices when you’re feeling under the weather can also greatly help too.
Common health practices this time of year include washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home if you’re sick.
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