Four more NC residents die from flu

Four North Carolina residents died from flu-related illnesses last week, according to state figures released Thursday.

Ninety-six people in the state have died from flu since the season began in October. The six-month season normally peaks during January and February.

A year ago, 59 people died from flu-related illnesses. 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.