PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - The number of flu cases in the area are on the rise. Hospitals in both New Hanover County and Pender County are asking people that have flu-like symptoms not to visit loved ones until they feel better. They are hoping it will help cut down on the number of people with the disease.
In Pender, the Director of the Health Department says they have seen an increase in the number of flu cases.
"Definitely an increase here at the Health Department," said Moser. "In the number of patients testing positive for the flu." She said that the number of sick patients this week is already more than double the number of sick patients this same week last year.
It's not just at the Health Department, the number of illness-related absences from Pender schools is also increasing.
"We have seen an increase and we will continue to monitor it," said Moser. "But it's not at the point where we will close schools or anything." She says they are working closely with the schools to make sure the situation doesn't get worse.
"Right now we are really trying to emphasize good hygiene and have people stay home when they are sick," said Moser.
She says they are also reminding people to get the flu shot, and says that the state has made it free for people who are uninsured.
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