RALEIGH -- N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Rick Brajer encourages all North Carolina residents to protect themselves against the flu during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 6-12.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is an opportunity to provide education about the importance of protection against the flu, and to inform the general public, including at-risk populations, of influenza prevention.

“Now is a great time to get a flu shot while activity remains low statewide," Brajer said. "Vaccinations early in the season can prevent the spread of flu and lower the number of flu cases throughout the winter." 

During the 2014-2015 season, North Carolina recorded its highest number of flu-associated deaths in the past six years. This is a reminder that flu can be a serious illness, especially for adults over 65, children under five, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.   

DHHS encourages everyone to use precautions to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses:

Wash hands frequently, preferably with soap and water or an approved hand sanitizer

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly

If you are sick with flu, stay home until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours