The following information was released by NCDHHS.
RALEIGH, N.C. (NEWS RELEASE) – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday 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.
“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.
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
