Flu deaths in North Carolina jump to 71 over the holidays

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - Flu deaths in North Carolina saw a significant jump over the holidays, according to new figures just released.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says 22 people died last week, and 21 people during Christmas week.

So far this season, there have been 71 deaths across the state because of the flu.

Of those, 53 were people 65 and older, 10 between 50 and 64, six between 25 and 49, and two between the ages of five and 17 years old.

Last season, 544 people died from the flu, the highest number since 2009.