As the U.S. flu season winds down, health officials say the flu vaccine didn't work very well, with one of its worst effectiveness rates in more than a decade.
The child died from complications of influenza in the western part of the state.
Peak flu season typically arrives in January or early February, but cases began rising in November, according to Duke Health leaders.
As flu-related illnesses and deaths have been rising across the state, the NC Department of Health and Human Services shares tips you can use to stay healthy this season.
Concerns about the spread of influenza are growing in the U.S. as the U.K. sees a flu surge in children and young adults.
"It's holiday season, but it's also flu season, and virus season, and all the other things that come along with it."