North Carolina’s Flu Death Toll Rises By 15 This Week

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Flu claimed another 15 in North Carolina this past week, according to state health officials, bring the state’s overall death toll from complications from the illness to 156.

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Most of those who died were over age 65, reported The News & Observer Thursday.

During the 12th week of the flu season in the U.S., which concluded March 25, influenza reports remained widespread throughout 31 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The vulnerability of the elderly and children underscore the need for widespread vaccinations, medical professional say. A recent national study of flu deaths in children conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that three out of four children who died from the flu between 2010-2014 had not had a flu shot.

Do you know the symptoms of the flu?

According to the CDC, flu symptoms include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Cough

• Runny or stuffy nose

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