The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season. An adult in the western part of the state died due to complications of flu during the first week of October. To protect the privacy of the family, no additional information will be released.
"This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D, MPH. "We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others."
Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming months. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
During last year’s respiratory virus season, North Carolina reported the highest number of flu-associated deaths reported (544) since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Last season also saw the highest number of pediatric flu deaths nationally since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (280); approximately half of those children had no known high-risk conditions and 89% were not fully vaccinated against flu.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all people six months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older if an individual or parent/guardian chooses to get one for themself or their child after discussion with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. RSV vaccinations are recommended to protect older adults 75 years and older, adults 50-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV, and for pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants. Parents should talk with their health care provider about other options to protect infants from severe RSV disease. A summary of flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccine recommendations for 2025-26 is available from the Common Health Coalition.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations are available at pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments. Children who are uninsured can be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers free vaccines to eligible children through 18 years of age. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be administered at the same visit.
Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu and COVID-19 infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. Treatment is especially important for those who are hospitalized and those who are at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions. Last week, NCDHHS State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt issued Standing Orders to allow retail pharmacists across the state to test for the influenza virus and then immediately treat with the appropriate medications to reduce severity of illness.
In addition to vaccines and treatment, the following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer to prevent the spread of viruses to others
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
- Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
- Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
- Using a separate bathroom, if possible
- Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
- Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
- Wearing a mask when around other people
For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing and treatment in your community, visit flu.ncdhhs.gov or covid.19.ncdhhs.gov.
A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19, and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.