RALEIGH (News Release) β The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first pediatric flu-related death for the 2025-2026 flu season. A child in the western region of the state recently died due to complications of influenza. To protect the familyβs privacy, additional information will not be released.
βThis is a tragic reminder that flu infections can be serious or even deadly,β saidΒ State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D, MPH. βIf you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will consider doing so to help protect yourself and your community.β
Influenza activity is surging just as holiday travel and gatherings begin.Β North Carolina has recently seen anΒ increase in flu activity and flu-associated adult deaths. So far, ten adult flu-associated deaths have already been reported in North Carolina this season. Nationally, 280 children died from flu complications last season, the highest number since the 2009-2010 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Approximately half of the children who died from influenza last season did not have an underlying medical condition, and 89% were not fully vaccinated. NCDHHS tracks influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viruses that may be circulating and publishes data weekly on theΒ Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard.
VaccinesΒ are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from flu and other viral respiratory infections like COVID-19 and RSV. Flu vaccinations are especially important for children who are at higher risk of developing severe disease or complications, including those younger than 5 years old, especially under 2 years old, or those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines near you, visitΒ MySpot.nc.gov.
