North Carolina hospitals admitted 1,099 people for respiratory virus symptoms in a single week, state health data show.

The figure covers flu, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory illnesses combined, up from 1,069 admissions the week before, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). Spectrum News 1 Charlotte first reported the numbers on Oct. 24.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found this flu season started earlier than usual, in late August. Mutated strains of influenza have driven a steady rise in cases, according to experts cited by Spectrum News.

The season is not sparing the Charlotte area. Dr. Marc Lewin, a family medicine physician for Atrium Health, told Spectrum News the outlook is concerning. "I will say the only people I've seen that have been really sick are those who haven't been vaccinated," Lewin said.

Dr. Jonathan Adams, a family medicine provider for Novant Health, said the mutated strains spread more easily but have not necessarily increased hospitalization rates. Adams said the virus is infecting a larger share of the population, similar to last year's pattern.

Both Atrium Health and Novant Health operate hospitals and clinics across the Ballantyne and south Charlotte area.

New mRNA flu vaccine for older adults

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, for adults 50 and older earlier this year, according to Spectrum News. Adams said the vaccine is roughly 25% to 26% more effective than the traditional flu shot. The FDA has not announced when the mRNA vaccine will be available to younger people.

Vaccination rates remain low

Early NCDHHS data indicate fewer than 10% of North Carolinians have received a flu vaccine so far, Spectrum News reported in mid-October.

The state health department says flu vaccines reduce the risk of a doctor visit by 40% to 60%. They are recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. October is the ideal time to get vaccinated, but any time during flu season still provides protection, according to NCDHHS.

No prescription is needed. NC Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at little or no cost. Uninsured or underinsured residents can find free or lower-cost vaccines through a local health department or a federally qualified health center.

Lewin urged residents to get flu and COVID-19 shots and to ask a health care provider about RSV immunization.

One bright spot: CDC data show RSV rates among mothers, infants and young children are down 30% to 40%, due in large part to a vaccine for pregnant mothers and a monoclonal antibody injection for infants, according to Dr. Daniel Park of UNC Children's Hospital.