Eight more people died from flu-related complications last week in North Carolina, according to figures released Thursday by the State Department of Health and Human Services.

Seventy four people in total have died of influenza statewide since flu season began in October of last year.

Typical seasonal flus tend to impact very young children with underdeveloped immune systems or the elderly who have weakened immune systems.

But for the 2013-2014 flu season, 30 of the total number of deaths have occurred among adults aged 25 to 49, followed by people aged 50 to 64, with 24 deaths.

One infant and two children between ages 5 and 17 have died as well.

The H1N1 strain of flu, also known as the Swine Flu, has caused a majority of deaths in the state.

Health experts warn that the number of flu cases typically increases in January and February, though deaths were reported as late as May in 2013.

The best way to prevent against the flu is aggressive hand washing and getting the flu vaccine.

It is not too late for people to get their annual flu shot, but it does take two weeks after inoculation for the antibodies to develop in your body and become effective. The Center for Disease Control recommends that people six months and older get vaccinated for the flu.

The antiviral medication TAMIFLU® can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if you do come down with the flu.

The flu vaccine is offered at the Orange County Health Department. To find other locations where the vaccine is administered, click here.

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