NC reports first flu death of 2021-2022 season

State health officials on Tuesday reported the first influenza-related death of the 2021-2022 flu season.  An adult in the western part of the state died during the second week of December due to complications from the respiratory illness.  The individual tested positive for the flu and negative for COVID-19. According to a news release, influenza cases and deaths in the state were at a historic low last season. But the current season is already more active than any time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.  In North Carolina, flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring with activity usually peaking in January or February.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine each year for individuals 6 months and older.