NORTH CAROLINA -- Influenza has now claimed the life of more people in North Carolina this season than this time previous seasons.

Four more people have died as a result of the virus, bringing the total number to 10 this season.

Flu.nc.gov says compared to 2015 and 2016, this year has a higher number of deaths around this time.

Flu symptoms include a 100 degree Fahrenheit or higher fever, feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children).

Experts say to get vaccinated each year and practice good hand hygiene to avoid catching the flu. To avoid giving the flu to others, stay home when you are sick, cough or sneeze into tissues and discard them properly, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an approved hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.