RALEIGH -- The flu remains widespread in 49 states across the country which leaves state leaders to address what can be done here in North Carolina.       

Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen addressed a joint committee Tuesday morning about the flu. She had some good and bad news.

The bad news is the worst is yet to come when dealing with the flu season --- the peak of the season is late in the month and into early February. The good news is that means there is still plenty of time to get a flu shot.

Cohen says last year nationwide more than 700,000 people were hospitalized due to the flu and it could be blamed for 50,000 deaths.

In North Carolina, cases of the flu were up just barely from last season but more or less seemed about the same.

Cohen says the vaccine this year does seem to be a good match for Influenza A, but as always the flu is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest -- those over 65 and younger than 5 years old.

Cohen says even if you feel healthy, go ahead and get that shot to make sure those around you remain healthy as well.

“If you are like, well, I am pretty healthy if I get the flu, fine, I will be out of work for a few days, but no. It’s really a matter of who are your contacts and are you bringing that to those who may be immunocompromised,” said Cohen.           

Cohen says at this point there is not a shortage of the vaccine in North Carolina.

The CDC is also meeting Tuesday to discuss the response to this flu season on the national level. 

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