Shhh! Don't Mention Masks!

Two adults in the western part of North Carolina died due to complications of influenza in October, marking the first flu deaths of the 2023-24 flu season, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] announced Wednesday.

Officials say one person had tested positive for both influenza and COVID-19. To protect the privacy of both families, additional information will not be released.

'We know both flu and COVID-19 can lead to severe complications and even death in some cases,' said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH.  'As flu season ramps up and COVID-19 is still circulating, it is very important for people to get their annual vaccines, practice good hand hygiene and stay home when sick.'"

"Wearing a mask when around other people" is last on the list of precautions further below in the article.