North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death this season. An adult in the central part of the state died from flu complications early this month.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be. We encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others this respiratory virus season. Getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses.”
-NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai
The fall is the best time to get vaccinated, so your immune system has time to build protection before the virus spreads. New flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-2027 season are now available.
Professional medical societies* recommend getting flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines because it is the best way to protect yourself from these viruses and they greatly reduce your risk of becoming severely ill.
During last year’s flu season, 335 people in North Carolina had flu-related deaths, which included 10 children. That is the third-highest number of reported flu deaths in the state since 2009.
*American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
Who Needs Protection Most
Everyone 6 months and older can get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. Vaccination is especially important for:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children younger than 5
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- Anyone with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or obesity
Need Help Finding or Paying for Vaccines?
- Find free vaccines for children (18 years or younger)
- Find a pharmacy near you
- Find your local health department
- Find a federally qualified health center
How Fast Is It Spreading?
NCDHHS monitors flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity across the state with many tracking systems. You can follow the trends through the NC Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which is updated weekly.
Help Limit the Spread
- Stay home when you are sick and don’t get close to other people when possible
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
- Clean surfaces that are often touched
- Improve ventilation and bring in fresh air when possible
Talk with a health care provider as soon as you get symptoms, especially if you have a greater risk of getting severely sick. Medicine for flu and COVID-19 are most effective when you start it early.
Related Press Release: NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2026-2027 Season