— Three more people died of the flu in North Carolina last week as the number of confirmed cases of the illness continues to drop.

Since the flu season began at the end of September, 134 people have died, including four children, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The total number of confirmed flu cases peaked the week of Feb. 8, when 1,342 cases were confirmed.

But in the first week of March, 798 people tested positive for the flu in North Carolina.

Coronavirus vs. flu Definition: Both coronavirus and flu are categories. The coronavirus that originated in China, in late 2019 is a new strain of the virus – COVID-19. Coronavirus Q&A: Your questions answered Symptoms: Coronavirus and flu symptoms can be similar – a high temperature, cough, and then chest congestion. Prevention: Both the flu and coronavirus spread from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking. The common-sense steps to contain any virus, no matter the flu, coronavirus or a common cold, are washing hands frequently with soap, covering coughs and sneezes and disinfecting surfaces. The surgeon general does not recommend the use of masks for otherwise healthy people. Deaths: While COVID-19 is new and a growing worldwide threat, the flu annually sickens and kills vastly more people. About 17,000 people had died of COVID-19 through March 23, 2020. Compare that to 646,000 flu deaths worldwide this winter and 18,000 to 46,000 deaths in the U.S. per year. Got questions? North Carolina Poison Control has established a hotline, available 24/7 and staffed by nurses and pharmacists to answer questions about coronavirus, including symptoms, how to assess and reduce the risk of catching the virus and what to do if if coronavirus is suspected. Call 1-866-462-3821.

Individuals who are more likely to develop serious flu complications include people older than 65, children younger than 2, pregnant women, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Symptoms include having a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Symptoms usually develop suddenly, according to the CDC.

Flu cases are slightly dropping nationwide, according to the CDC.

The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older.

For those who have been diagnosed with the flu, CDC guidelines say patients should:

Stay home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly.