With flu activity higher than normal in North Carolina for this time of year, state health officials are urging residents to take time during the holidays to get vaccinated.

State Health Director Laura Gerald says holiday travel and visits with family may provide more opportunities for cold and flu germs to spread. Gerald says getting vaccinated reduces the chance of getting the seasonal flu and reduces the chance of spreading it to friends and family.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says health care providers are seeing an increase in flu-like illnesses.

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months old. It's considered particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly.

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