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Flu Deaths Across North Carolina Rise; CDC Releases Flu Shot Data

Scott Turner, right, gets a flu shot from nurse Nicole Simpson at the Salvation Army in Atlanta, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. AP Photo/David Goldman

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' latest report, 17 more residents have died from the flu.

That brings the total number of flu-related deaths in the state to 165. The majority of the fatalities occurred over the past five weeks.

There were no pediatric deaths reported this week, though doctors say that people under the age of 5 and those older than 65 are at greatest risk.

According to information just released by the Centers For Disease Control, the flu shot was only effective about a third of the time this year.

But the CDC says that even though that number seems small, that one-third has a large positive impact on public health.

Medical professionals encourage people who have had the flu to avoid school and work until they're symptom-free for at least 24 hours. And getting the flu shot is still recommended.

Eddie Garcia is WFDD’s News Director. He is responsible for planning coverage, editing stories, and leading an award-winning news team as it serves the station’s 32-county listening area. He joined WFDD as an audio production intern in 2007 and went on to hold various roles, including producer, Triad Arts Weekend co-host, reporter, and managing editor. When he’s not working, Eddie enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and watching films.

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