On October 8, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season. The victim, an adult from western North Carolina, succumbed to complications related to the flu during the first week of October. To respect the family's privacy, no further details regarding the individual will be disclosed.
This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the serious nature of flu infections, which can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to combat influenza and other respiratory illnesses in the NCDHHS press release. He stated, “We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses.”
To protect yourself and others from the flu, the NCDHHS recommends several key preventative measures. These include:
Getting your yearly flu shot Washing your hands regularly Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue Staying home when you are feeling unwellDuring the previous respiratory virus season, North Carolina recorded a staggering 544 flu-associated deaths, marking the highest number reported since the H1N1 pandemic. This statistic underscores the critical need for effective prevention strategies.
The NCDHHS strongly advocates for vaccinations as the most effective method to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the flu, as well as other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With the flu season expected to intensify in the coming months, obtaining a vaccination is crucial. To find out more about the 2025-2026 vaccine recommendations, visit the Common Health Coalition's website.
Vaccinations for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are readily available at various locations, including pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers, and local health departments. The NCDHHS encourages the public to take advantage of these resources to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
In addition to vaccination efforts, NCDHHS State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt has issued Standing Orders that empower retail pharmacists across North Carolina to test for the flu. This initiative allows pharmacists to promptly administer the appropriate medications, significantly reducing the severity of the illness.
For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing, and treatment options, please visit the NCDHHS website. You can also view a respiratory virus surveillance summary for the latest updates and guidelines.
