North Carolina Reports First Flu-Related Death of the 2026-2027 Season
In a sobering announcement, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported the first flu-related fatality of the 2026-2027 flu season. The incident involved an adult residing in the central region of the state who succumbed to flu complications during the initial week of October. Respecting the family’s privacy, further details will not be disclosed. This development will be reflected in the upcoming update of the NC Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard.
Health Officials Urge Preventive Measures
Secretary Dev Sangvai of NCDHHS emphasized the gravity of flu-related illnesses, stating, “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be.” He urged residents to adopt protective measures such as vaccinations, staying home while ill, regular handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes to minimize the spread of seasonal viruses.
Last year’s respiratory virus season saw North Carolina report 335 flu-related deaths, including 10 pediatric cases, marking it the third-highest in state records since 2009. This underscores the importance of annual vaccinations, which are recommended for everyone aged six months and older.
Vaccination Recommendations and Availability
Professional medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend annual COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6-23 months, specific groups of children aged 2-18 years, and all adults. Detailed recommendations can be found at SpreadTheFacts.org.
RSV vaccinations are advised for infants under eight months, unless the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy, and for certain risk groups of children aged 8-19 months. Adults aged 50-74 at increased risk and all adults aged 75 and above are also recommended to receive a one-time RSV vaccination.
Fall is generally the optimal time to receive these vaccinations, as it allows the immune system time to build protection before peak virus activity. Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are accessible at pharmacies, private health offices, some federally qualified health centers, and local health departments. The Vaccines for Children program offers free or low-cost vaccines to uninsured children up to 18 years old. These vaccines can be administered concurrently during the same visit.
Preventive Practices to Curb Virus Spread
Residents can also help control the spread of respiratory illnesses by:
- Remaining home when sick and avoiding close contact with others.
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Enhancing ventilation and introducing fresh air when possible.
- Consulting healthcare providers promptly if symptoms arise, especially for those at higher risk. Early antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19 can be more effective.
NCDHHS continues to monitor flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity using a range of tracking systems. Current trends in respiratory viruses can be monitored via the NC Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, updated weekly. For immunization data, refer to the NC Respiratory Immunization Dashboards.
For comprehensive information on vaccines, current recommendations, prevention tips, and respiratory virus activity in North Carolina, visit the NCDHHS Seasonal Respiratory Virus Hub.
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