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.
