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Flu deaths on decline in NC

Since spiking in late January and early February, the number of deaths linked to influenza has declined in North Carolina.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Since spiking in late January and early February, the number of deaths linked to influenza has declined in North Carolina.

The state Department of Health and Human Services reported that three people died of flu last week, down from seven the previous week and eight the week before that. A total of 85 North Carolina residents have died of flu since the annual season began in October.

Flu season normally peaks during January and February.

Adults ages 25 to 49 continue to be most affected, accounting for 31 deaths in North Carolina, followed by those ages 50 to 64, with 30 deaths. Nineteen people 65 or older have died of the flu, as have one infant and four other children under the age of 18.

A year ago, 59 people died from flu-related symptoms during the six-month flu season that runs from early October to mid-May. Adults ages 65 or older accounted for 36 of the 59 deaths in 2012-13, and nobody under 18 died from the flu.

The best protection against the flu is a flu shot, which is available for anyone 6 months old or older. It takes at least two weeks to build up a full immunity against the virus.

Hand-washing, coughing into your sleeve and keeping a safe distance from people with flu symptoms are practical ways to help prevent the spread of the flu.

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