LUMBERTON — Because of an increase in flu-related illnesses, Southeastern Regional Medical Center will begin restricting visits to patients starting on Monday.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms is asked to not visit patients at the medical center until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours, according to hospital spokesperson Amanda Crabtree. In addition, no one under the age of 18 will be permitted in patient care areas or in areas above the first floor.

Only two immediate family members or caregivers will be allowed to visit a patient at a time. The Emergency Department will follow the same restrictions as other areas, but only one immediate family member or caregiver will be allowed in per visit.

Southeastern Regional will become the most recent North Carolina hospital to limit visitor access in response to the flu.

Duke University Health Systems Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill and Mission Health in Asheville have all announced restrictions.

Five people have died from influenza in North Carolina during the last week, bringing the number of flu deaths in the state to 13 during the past year. One of those was

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RALEIGH — State officials say 13 people in North Carolina have died from the flu, with five deaths occurring last week.

Figures from the state Department of Health and Human Services show five people died in the week from Dec. 22, 2013, to Dec. 28, 2013.

Of the 13 flu deaths in the state, all but one person was younger than age 65. Seven were between 25 and 49; five were between 50 and 64. Typically, children under 2, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes and heart disease are the most at risk of complications.

Meanwhile, at least three hospitals have joined Duke University Health Systems in limiting visitors until the flu abates. Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill and Mission Health in Asheville announced restrictions Thursday.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The safest, most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that those 6 months and

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More of the Blue Ridge Parkway is now closed in the Asheville area for snow and ice. The Parkway is only open at Milepost 384 to MP 382, from the Visitor Center near the entrance to U.S. 74A to the Folk Art Center at U.S. 70.

The Parkway is closed north of the Folk Art Center, including Mount Mitchell State Park, and it is closed south of the Visitor Center to the end of the line, at MP 469 in Cherokee.

Things are always changing, based on weather conditions, so you can check at www.nps.gov/blri and click on the road closure map, or call the parkway Visitor Center at 828-298-5330 for more details.

Feel free, though, to go romping by foot on the closed road, which right now is a nice way to get some exercise in a winter wonderland, maybe even some places deep enough for snowshoes or cross country skis.

Remember to BUNDLE UP in lots of layers, including a hat and gloves. It is COLD out there.

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NIGHTLIFE

ACOUSTIC COFFEEHOUSE: Johnson City, 415 W. Walnut St. Jan. 3, 8 p.m., Jeff Ruby and Yesterdaze Child; Jan. 4, 8 p.m., Laura Thurston; Jan. 5, 9 p.m., Fifth Nation; Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Shane Lambert; Jan. 8, 10 p.m., Alex Smith. 423-434-9872.

BIGGIES: Kingsport, 417 Stone Dr. Jan. 2, 9 p.m., Jaystorm Project and Maurice Butler. 423-765-9633.

CAPONE’S: Johnson City, 227 E. Main St. Jan. 10, 8 p.m., Killing Abraham and Epic Superfail; Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Annabelle’s Curse. www.caponesjohnsoncity.com or 423-928-2295.

COUNTRY CLUB BAR AND GRILL: Bristol, 3080 W. State St. Jan. 11, 9:30 p.m., James Meadows. 423-844-0400.

DOWN HOME: Johnson City, 300 W. Main St. Jan. 11, 8 p.m., Webb Wilder, $20; Jan. 16-17, 8 p.m., Blue Highway, $25; Jan. 18, 8 p.m., Michael Reno Harrell, $16. www.downhome.com or 423-929-9822.

THE HANGAR GRILL: Wise, 6104 Airport Rd. Jan. 10, 9 p.m., Chasing Lexi. 276-328-9699.

HIDEAWAY: Johnson City, 235 E. Main St. Feb. 7, 9 p.m., Antiseen and Joe Buck. 423-926-3896.

O’MAINNIN’S: Bristol, 712 State St. Jan. 2, 10 p.m., Ryan Ward; Jan. 8, 10 p.m., The Sharrows; Jan. 9, 10 p.m., Laura

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GREENSBORO — A fourth Guilford County resident has died of the flu, according to county health officials.

They’re among 13 flu-related deaths in North Carolina since October. That’s slightly less than was reported during the same period in the 2012-13 season.

Reports of flu deaths aren’t uncommon this time of year. Of the 13 deaths statewide, though, what’s unusual is who’s been spared — the very young and old.

Seven of the deaths were adults 25 to 49 years old.

Five were 50 to 64 years old.

One was older than 65, an age group typically more vulnerable to sickness.

“To our knowledge, all of them had underlying health conditions, which would make them more susceptible to flu,” said Julie Henry, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Human Services.

People who are otherwise healthy shouldn’t forgo vaccination, said Ward Robinson, medical director for the Guilford County Department of Public Health.

“It’s not optimal to get it when there’s actual influenza activity,” he said. But, it’s better “to get it than not get it.”

Robinson also warned those vaccinated in the midst of flu season may

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Catawba Brewing Company welcomed the new year with an update on its plans to open a second brewing facility and tasting room in Asheville. The Morganton-based brewery had begun renovations last summer on a building at 2 Fairview Road in the Biltmore Village area but city of Asheville officials put a halt to the project.

Catawba announced in a Jan. 1 statement that it will move forward by tearing down the existing structure and starting from scratch, building a two-story brewery and tasting room with outdoor beer garden areas. Construction is expected to begin in February with a projected midsummer completion date.

In the meantime, Catawba plans to set up a temporary tasting room starting in early February in an old strip mall at 63 Brook St., across the street from Fig restaurant and its 2 Fairview Road site. The company has already hired an Asheville manager and hopes to release its next seasonal beer, LeSexxxy Saison, at this location in March.

Following is an excerpt from the statement by Catawba Brewing owners Billy, Jetta and Scott Pyatt:

“Though this seems to be the project

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