by The Associated Press
State health officials are reporting North Carolina's first three adult deaths from seasonal influenza.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that the three adults were middle aged and at increased risk for complications from underlying medical conditions. They were identified as being from eastern North Carolina, the Triad and the Charlotte area.
All three died in the past two weeks after testing positive for Influenza A.
Officials say there have been a low number of flu cases in North Carolina this season, but the numbers are beginning to trend upward. Flu season typically peaks during January and February.
Complications from flu can be particularly dangerous for high risk groups including infants under 2, pregnant women, and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.