North Carolina

Flu kills 9 more people in North Carolina, officials say

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says that the flu has killed nine more people in the state, bringing this season's total death count to 135.

The agency says this number doesn't reflect all flu-associated deaths in the state as many go unreported or undiagnosed. News outlets report there were nearly 400 flu-related deaths in North Carolina during the 2017-18 flu season; WTVD-TV says that was the most reported in the state since the deaths became reportable in 2009.

WITN-TV says this is the third straight week that the number of flu-related deaths has fallen.

The agency says practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated to help prevent the flu. Symptoms of the flu include but aren't limited to a high fever, body aches, chills and fatigue.