CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — New numbers showed the first decline in flu cases; doctors say we may be nearing the end of the season.
That's not to say it's over yet, though.
Seven additional deaths were reported in North Carolina this week, bringing the toll to 148 deaths in the 2018-2019 flu season. In South Carolina, no additional deaths were reported this week, but the flu death toll is at 69.
Dr. Carmen Teague, director of Internal Medicine for Atrium Health Medical Group Division, said they are still seeing quite a few patients with the flu, and hospitals still have visitor restrictions in place.
But if you look at the national data, there has been a slight decrease.
"I just looked this morning, and there are 30 states still in the red zone," Dr. Teague said.
Don't forget to take precautions on spring break; there's a good chance you could be exposed to the flu if you're traveling. In about two to five weeks, we should be out of the woods.
It's a different story for those fighting allergies.
With the start of spring, Dr. Teague said allergy congestion is ramping up. Because Charlotte is so green, the Queen City is one of the worst for allergies.
Dr. Teague said if you've lived here for a few years, it's possible to develop allergies.
"You want to rule out infection, but the reality is a lot of the same meds that help with flu also help with the congestion of allergies," said Dr. Teague.