Axios Visuals The country's worst flu season in 15 years has left hundreds of thousands of Americans hospitalized while straining physicians' offices and emergency departments. Why it matters: The virus is causing more severe complications and hitting young children especially hard.

Flu deaths in North Carolina continue to rise. Health officials said 246 people have lost their lives from the virus since flu season began in early October. Seniors are the most vulnerable. Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows that people aged 65 and older have accounted for over 70% of all flu deaths this year.