Did you know we can track viruses in our communities through wastewater?
When you flush the toilet or wash something down the drain, you might not think about it again. But that wastewater can actually help protect your community’s health.
NCDHHS tests samples from select wastewater treatment plants across NC to see how COVID-19, flu and RSV are circulating.
North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season. An adult in the western part of the state died from flu complications in early October.
“This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.”
— State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore
Pharmacies in NC can now give COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription after a short discussion on the benefits and risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its recommendations to allow this change.
Due to this update, NCDHHS ended standing orders that allowed pharmacies to give COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions. These orders are now not needed with the updated CDC recommendations.
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Public health is all around us — often invisible, but always essential. It’s in the clean water we drink, the food we eat and the rapid response to health threats.
Public health:
Everyone 6 months and older should get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. The updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer protection from virus strains spreading this fall and winter. Vaccines are the best way to protect from serious illness and hospitalization.
"It's important to make a plan now, at the start of the respiratory season, to protect yourself and your loved ones. Get vaccinated to avoid missing work and enjoy fall activities, sports and gatherings with friends and family."
It's back-to-school time — and time to get children up to date on vaccines to protect their health.
Getting up to date is important since children and teens are more susceptible to certain diseases. Vaccines prevent disease spread in classrooms, at home and in your community.
"Ensuring children are current on their childhood vaccines is essential for both child and family health and well-being."
Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson
State Health Director / NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer