Even though the flu is still spreading throughout North
Carolina, the numbers of reported cases of the flu may have
already peaked this season. “It’s interesting, this year the flu
has peaked much sooner than in previous years,” said Candi
Gambill, the communicable disease and preparedness coordinator
for the Appalachian District Health Department. Gambill said the
flu has peaked in March in previous years. This years
information shows a decrease in flu activity from Dec. 29 to
Jan. 5, showing a downward trend of flu cases moving into 2013.
Also, Gambill said she doesn’t know of any fatal cases of the
flu in the Appalachian District, which serves Ashe, Watauga and
Alleghany counties. However, this good fortune was isolated to
the High Country; the N.C. Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) reported 17 flu deaths since late November
across the state. Gambill said there are several different ways
to fight the flu. “Washing your hands is always number one,”
said Gambill. “Washing your hands protects aga