Brunswick County officials issued a warning Monday urging residents to take precautions against influenza.

Brunswick County officials issued an alert Monday warning residents to take steps to avoid catching the flu.

"It's not too late" to get a flu shot, said Brunswick County Health Director Cris Harrelson. Other steps to avoid the flu include frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and staying home from school or work if you have a fever. Those who are ill should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours.

The warning comes as North Carolina and the nation suffer one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, 42 people have died of influenza-associated deaths since October, including at least 10 since Jan. 7.

"The worst, if you will, is yet to come," state Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen told legislators last week in Raleigh, calling the flu epidemic "a burden."

Harrelson said county officials had only anecdotal reporting, but "we know it is widespread." At least one Brunswick County resident has died so far this year of flu-related causes, he added.

Brunswick County Schools spokesman Daniel Seamans said the schools had seen "a minor increase" in absences in recent weeks, but officials could not tell how many might have been flu-related. He said officials wanted to be proactive in confronting the disease.

Brunswick County Schools Superintendent Les Tubb and Brunswick Community College President Susanne Adams joined in the appeal for precautions. Tubb was photographed while getting a flu vaccination.

New Hanover County has seen between eight and 10 influenza-associated deaths so far this season, said assistant county health director David Howard. Most of these, Howard added, occurred in retirement homes and other community residences. Many of the dead suffered weakened immune systems from medications or other causes.

"We are monitoring the situation," Howard said.

Pender County has seen little flu so far this season, according to county Health and Human Services Director Carolyn Moser. Only four cases tested positive for influenza, Moser said, and schools have not recorded a spike in absences.

"I would expect that the bad weather has kept people home," limiting the spread of the flu virus, Moser said. She anticipates more cases appearing in February, though. "We are preparing for the worst," she said.

Contrary to some rumors, there is an adequate supply of flu vaccine, Moser said. Vaccines are available at county health departments and many drug stores.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. According to state Health and Human Services, the most common strain this year is called H3N2, which causes especially severe cases.

Signs of influenza include a fever of 100 degrees or more, coughing or sore throat, a runny nose, headaches, chills, fatigue and vomiting. Diarrhea may be common in children.

Reporter Ben Steelman can be reached at 910-343-2208 or Ben.Steelman at StarNewsOnline.com.