Nine people, including a child, died from the flu between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4, bringing the total number of flu deaths in North Carolina to 21 since Sept. 29, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.Twenty adults have already been reported, with 14 of those being people older than 65 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Click the video player above to see WXII 12 studio coverage.Across the country, 27 pediatric flu deaths have been reported from other states as of Jan. 4.The state health department says flu activity is widespread in North Carolina and more than 28 other states are reporting widespread cases of the illnesses. Doctors and nurses say it's not too late to get the flu vaccine. Concern about the flu is limiting who can visit Piedmont Triad hospitals. This is happening at several different health systems, including Cone, Wake Forest Baptist, Novant and Atrium.Starting Wednesday at 7 a.m., children under 12 are restricted from visiting all hospital facilities. People 13 and older who are experiencing runny nose, sore throat, fever or cough are encouraged to stay away from hospitals, as well.“Vaccination is the best protection against the flu, so we want people to know that it is still not too late to receive the influenza vaccine if they have not already done so,” said Dr. Larry Givner, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Wake Forest Baptist Health. “Throughout the year, we always remind visitors and family members – regardless of their age – that in order to visit patients, they should be healthy and free from fever, cough, colds or stomach virus symptoms.”The restrictions can be lifted for special circumstances.