A Petersburg family is opening up about a severe case of the flu that led to their loved one having to have his leg amputated.

Another six people in North Carolina have died from the flu, bringing the total so far this season to 41 deaths.

A total of 11 new flu-related deaths were reported by North Carolina health officials this week.

Officials with New Hanover Regional Medical Center have issued flu-related visitor restrictions in an effort to keep the illness from spreading within hospital facilities and the community.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly flu report, the death took place during the week of Nov. 17-23.

According to the department’s weekly flu report, the second death happened during the week of Nov. 3-9, 2019.

Health professionals are still looking into the products and chemicals that could be causing the vaping-related illness outbreak across the nation. But doctors are concerned the next few months could be challenging as the flu season kicks into high gear.

Flu season begins in October and lasts through May, but here in the Cape Fear, we see a peak in late December and early January.

MinuteClinic Nurse Practitioner Annie Krzan joined us on WECT News First at Four to dispel common myths about the flu vaccine

New Hanover County health officials will offer a free flu vaccination event on Saturday, Oct. 12.