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North Carolina's Flu-Related Deaths Down From Last Year

(AP Photo/David Goldman)

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 52 flu-related deaths statewide so far this season.

At this point last year, there were 165.

Influenza season runs from October to May each year, and the peak for flu activity usually comes during the winter months.

Anita Valiani with NC DHHS says the flu shot is working fairly well for the most common strain in the Southeast this year, Influenza A (H3N2).

“Overall risk of people having to seek medical care for flu illness was about half in people who were vaccinated, which [means] 47 percent effectiveness,” she says.

Valiani says this is more than twice as effective as last year's shot. She says that while it's recommended people get the flu shot in the fall, it is never too late to get vaccinated.   

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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