flu

Scientists worldwide face a yearly challenge in deciding what goes into the annual flu vaccine to make it effective. The job requires keeping tabs on a massive group of speedy, shape-shifting viruses.

Most tests for viruses aim to detect only one or two. But researchers can now check a drop of blood for antibodies to hundreds of viruses, tracing the history of a lifetime of infections, old and new.

Nine people died from flu-related illness in North Carolina last week. This is the smallest number for a reporting period in more than a month.

The Department of Health and Human Services reports 15 more flu deaths last week.

North Carolina health officials report 30 people died of complications from the flu last week.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center joined other Triad hospitals yesterday when they placed restrictions on visitors due to the increase in flu cases.

Health officials estimate that every flu season, 1 in 5 Americans will get the bug. This year, changes in flu vaccines and in federal guidelines could help those most susceptible to the virus.