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NCDHHS reports first flu death of the season

How much would a scientist have to pay you to get sick with the flu?
F.T. Werner
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first flu-related death of the season.

Officials say an adult in the western part of the state died from complications of influenza during the third week of October.

State Epidemiologist Zack Moore called it a sad reminder that flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications and even death in some cases.

He added that it is tremendously important for people to get a flu vaccine this year.

While influenza cases and deaths were historically low during the pandemic, North Carolina is seeing an increase in illnesses caused by respiratory viruses other than COVID-19, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, that is greater than at any time since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020.

The CDC recommends flu vaccination every year for everyone 6 months and older.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. She has been involved in the media industry in eastern North Carolina for more than three years. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to ENC to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of toddler and baby cuddling, reading, designing costumes for children’s theater and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.