The flu season is hitting earlier and harder this fall in North Carolina. Three North Carolina adults have died from complications of the flu virus since mid-November, including two last week. And state health officials say reports of flu-like illnesses have continued increase above what’s usually seen at this time of year. A weekly report from the federal Centers for Disease Prevention and Control shows that the influenza virus is now “widespread” in both Carolinas.
Officials say just over 46 percent of North Carolinians were immunized against flu last year. Influenza kills about 25,000 people and causes 220,000 hospitalizations every year in the United States.
Federal officials advise everyone over 6 months of age to be vaccinated against the flu. They also say you should cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently and stay home when you're sick. You can get tips and more information at Flu.gov. See the latest information and statewide data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, at www.flu.nc.gov.
MAN DIES AFTER CAR HITS N. TRYON BUILDING
A 47-year-old man died Saturday after his car went off North Tryon Street in Charlotte and crashed into a building. Chris Koch was pronounced dead at the scene after the incident, which happened around 3:30 pm. He was driving north on North Tryon Street in his 2009 Hyundai Genesis when he drove off the right side of the road, across a parking lot, and into the industrial building. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police think the man may have had a medical problem.
NEW PRESIDENT AT FOOD LION
North Carolina grocery chain Food Lion has a new president. Beth Newlands Campbell is replacing Cathy Green Burns, who became a familiar face on Food Lion's television commercials. The management change was announced late Thursday by Roland Smith, chief executive officer of Delhaize America. That's Food Lion's Belgium-based parent company. Food Lion started in Salisbury with a single store. It now has nearly 1,200 stores in 10 states.
SPORTS: A DAY FOR THREE-POINTERS
Saturday was a big day for three pointers on the basketball court. The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs set a team record of 19 three-pointers as they handed the Charlotte Bobcats their seventh straight loss, 132 to 102. Danny Green scored 23 points to lead the spurs.
In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Seth Curry made five of nine 3-point attempts and scored a game-high 23 points to lead undefeated and third-ranked Duke over previously undefeated Temple, 90 to 67. Duke is now 9 and 0 on the season.
UNC Charlotte stayed undefeated as well on Saturday, hitting a season high 8 three-pointers on the way to a 78 to 66 victory at home over Central Michigan. The 49ers also are now 9 and 0.
Davidson started its game against Wofford Saturday with six straight three pointers and then held off the Terriers’ late surge to win 63 to 56.
Also Saturday, North Carolina easily beat East Tennessee State 78-55.