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As the fall season progresses, health officials are urging vigilance against influenza. North Carolina has already reported its first flu-related death of the season, prompting calls for preventative measures across the country.
The Importance of Flu Shots
Dr. Patel advised that practically everyone should consider getting their annual flu shot, ideally before Halloween, as it takes approximately two weeks to develop full immunity. The flu can seem mild in some cases but has the potential to cause severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.