9 new flu deaths reported in North Carolina
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- State health officials say there were nine new flu deaths in North Carolina last week.
That brings the total for this flu season to 137 - which is much higher than the last two years.
The number of new deaths this past week has dropped over the past two weeks, perhaps suggesting we've gotten past the peak and the number of infections is on the decline.
Experts say flu-related deaths most commonly occur in the elderly, the very young, or in people with weakened immune systems.
Part of the reason this year has been worse than others is the most common influenza strain infecting people this year was not covered in this year's flu vaccine.
Still, experts say getting the shot can still provide some protection and potentially lessen the effects.
Learn more about the flu at http://www.flu.nc.gov/
