North Carolina reports first flu-related death of 2026-27 season
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
State health officials said an adult in central North Carolina died from complications of the flu during the first week of October.
No additional information about the person will be released to protect the family’s privacy.
The death will be included in next week’s update to the state’s Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be,” said North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “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.”
During the previous respiratory virus season, North Carolina reported 335 flu-related deaths, including 10 children.
According to NCDHHS, that was the third-highest number of flu deaths recorded statewide since broad reporting began in 2009.
Health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against seasonal respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
NCDHHS says fall is generally the best time to get vaccinated because it allows the immune system to build protection before respiratory virus activity typically reaches its peak.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, some federally qualified health centers and local health departments.
Eligible uninsured children can receive vaccines at low or no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children program.
In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and improving indoor ventilation when possible.
People experiencing symptoms, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness, are encouraged to contact a health care provider promptly.
NCDHHS says antiviral treatments for flu and COVID-19 are most effective when started early.
The state continues to monitor flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity through several disease surveillance systems.
Residents can follow current respiratory illness trends through the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which is updated weekly.
Additional information about vaccinations and prevention is available through the NCDHHS Seasonal Respiratory Virus Hub.
