complications from the flu. his mother outside of pittsburgh saying he got sick and waited too long to get help. and nathaniel downey, 19 months old from toledo, ohio, who started coughing suddenly, and within an hour, couldn't breathe. tonight, as nearly every state in the country grapples with a severe through season, one school in matthews, north carolina, canceling classes for the rest of the week after more than 160 students were out sick with flu-like symptoms. >> taking action in north carolina. so many parts of the country are seeing this. dr. jen ashton with us now. and from that mother outside boston, to the 21-year-old son, you were telling us, it's a reminder how unpredictable the flu can be, and for everyone to take the symptoms seriously. >> reporter: absolutely, david. so far, the deaths in the flu this season have been mostly in adults over the age of 65 and mostly those with pre-existing medical conditions. heart disease, lung disease. but the victims in this piece remind us, it can affect anyone, the symptoms have to be taken seriously. some good news, the anti-viral