CHARLOTTE, NC -- Flu claimed another 15 in North Carolina this past week, according to state health officials, bring the state's overall death toll from complications from the illness to 156.

Most of those who died were over age 65, reported The News & Observer Thursday.

During the 12th week of the flu season in the U.S., which concluded March 25, influenza reports remained widespread throughout 31 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.