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NC Reports First Flu Death of Season
8 Oct
Summary
- North Carolina recorded its first flu death for the 2026-2027 season.
- An adult in the state's central region died from flu complications in early October.
- Last season, 335 flu deaths occurred, including 10 children.
North Carolina health officials announced the state's first flu death of the 2026-2027 season on Thursday, October 8, 2026. An adult residing in the central region of the state succumbed to flu complications during the initial week of October.
This fatality serves as a critical reminder of the flu's potential severity, according to state health officials. During the previous respiratory virus season, North Carolina documented 335 flu-related deaths, with 10 of those being children. This figure represented the third-highest total since comprehensive reporting began in 2009.
Authorities are strongly encouraging all residents aged six months and older to receive their annual flu vaccination. Additional recommendations include staying home when ill, frequent hand washing, and covering coughs and sneezes. For eligible individuals, consideration of COVID-19 and RSV vaccines is also advised, as fall is an opportune time to build protection before respiratory virus activity peaks.
