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Scientists around the world are looking for improved, universal influenza vaccines.
RALEIGH, NC – A North Carolinian has died of the flu in what the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services calls the first flu-related death of the 2018-19 season.
The Public Health Division of NCDHHS announced the death on Thursday. The DPH will not disclose any identifying information about the person.
"We are very saddened by this death and send our condolences to this person's loved ones," state epidemiologist Zack Moore said in a press release. "The flu is still a serious disease, and in some cases it can lead to complications and death, which is why we strongly encourage people to get vaccinated early and every year."
Three influenza-related deaths have been reported this fall.
Scarlett VanStory Levinson, 29, from Raleigh, died "of an apparent cardiac event as a result of complications from the flu" on October 2nd.
The medical director of Buncombe County said that an elderly person died of the flu the same week.
In addition, Kathy Hartenstine, a member of the Wake County School Board, died of the flu in September.
The current influenza season extends from September 30, 2018 to May 18, 2019.
The 2017-2018 influenza season killed 391 people in North Carolina.
This season has been the deadliest of all influenza seasons since 2009. Previously, agencies were not required to report deaths from influenza.
Of the 391 deaths, 290 were aged 65 and over.
Seven were under 18 years old.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that all persons over 6 months of age be vaccinated with a licensed, age-appropriate vaccine.
DPH reports report that vaccines can reduce flu symptoms and reduce the risk of serious consequences.
This is especially important for people over 65, under 5, pregnant women, and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and the like. obesity.
Vaccines are available in hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, some federally registered health centers and local health departments.
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