NORTH CAROLINA -- Even more flu deaths have occurred in North Carolina since the start of the flu season, officials announced on Thursday. 

Since the start of the season on Oct. 1, a total of 95 people have fallen victim to the virus in North Carolina.

During the week of Jan. 21 to Jan. 27, the NC Department of Health and Human services says 20 more people died from the virus. 

North Carolina isn't the only state suffering. Nationwide, toward the end of January, roughly 1 in 15 doctor visits were for symptoms of the flu. That's the highest level since the swine flu pandemic in 2009.

The same virus was the dominant flu bug last winter, when the flu season wasn't so bad. It's not clear why this season — led by the same bug — is so much more intense, some experts said.

 

Flu effects in NC

Hospitals, schools and facilities across North Carolina have closed or limited hours or visitors due to the widespread spread of the virus this year.

The following places have been affected by this year's flu virus:

Charlotte region:

  • At Carmel Christian in Matthews, more than 160 students were out with the flu one day in late January.
  • Six assisted living facilities in Mecklenburg County announced widespread flu cases in late January
  • At Carolinas Healthcare Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, children 12 and under are restricted from visiting patients to prevent the spread of the flu

Triad:

  • Cone, Novant, High Point Regional and Wake Forest Baptist announced in late January a limit of visitors to ages 13 and up to prevent the spread of the flu
  • East Bend Elementary School in the Triad closed until Friday this week due to more than 100 kids out with flu-like symptoms.

Central N.C.:

  • Krzyzewskiville campsite at Duke University was closed on Wednesday night until further notice because of fears over the flu. The campsite, where students were waiting for tickets to the game against UNC, is now empty, and students' place in line is being held by headline monitors.
  •  At the end of January, the Naval Center Camp Lejeune reported an influx of patients in their emergency room with flu-like symptoms, causing extremely long lines. They advised people to treat themselves at home, if possible. 
  • Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Southeastern Regional Hospital restricted visitors in late January because of the flu. 

Coastal N.C.:

  • Carolina East Medical Center is banning visitors younger than age 15 and limiting the number of visitors per patient to two people
  • Carteret Health Care is restricting vistors under age 18 and limiting the number of visitors per patient to two people
  • At Craven County Elementary School, about 1/3 of the students were reported absent with flu-like symptoms last week

Elsewhere:

Symptoms for the virus include fever, chills, cough and sore throat and nausea.

Experts advise everyone to avoid people with flu-like symptoms, get the flu vaccine and wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and go to the doctor if symptoms occur.