RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — On Oct. 8, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season, an adult in western North Carolina.
A NCDHHS press release said the adult died due to complications of the flu in the first week of October. No more information will be released to protect the family’s privacy.
“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 in the release. “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.”
BUNCOMBE COUNTY HEALTH WARNS OF RISING FLU AND COVID-19 CASES, URGES PREVENTIVE STEPS
During last year’s respiratory virus season, N.C. had 544 flu-associated deaths, the highest number reported since the H1N1 pandemic, according to NCDHHS.
NCDHHS advises that vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from Flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are expected to increase over the coming months.
Click HERE for 2025-2026 vaccine recommendations from the Common Health Coalition.
Vaccinations for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV are available at pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments, according to the press release.
NORTH CAROLINA FLU DEATHS REACH RECORD HIGH, OVER 500 IN 2024-2025 SEASON
Additionally, NCDHHS State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt issued Standing Orders to allow retail pharmacists across N.C. to test for the flu and then immediately treat with the appropriate medications to reduce the severity of the illness.
Click here for more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing and treatment. Click here for a respiratory virus surveillance summary from NCDHHS.
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