Seasonal respiratory illnesses are on the rise in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The department reported three flu-related deaths in the past week, bringing the total number of deaths this season to nine. This figure is higher than at the same point last season. During the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, North Carolina recorded 542 flu-related deaths, marking the highest statewide total since reporting began in 2009. No pediatric flu deaths have been reported so far this season.
The most common influenza virus circulating this year is influenza A (H3N2) subclade K. While this strain differs from the H3N2 component included in current vaccines, preliminary data indicate that available flu vaccines still offer protection, especially against severe illness. The NCDHHS updates its Respiratory Virus Dashboard weekly with information about flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity across the state.
“Flu is spreading quickly across North Carolina,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “The influenza vaccine remains the most important tool to prevent serious illness or death from flu. It’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Health officials note that influenza activity is increasing as holiday travel and gatherings begin. Vaccination remains a key strategy for preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from influenza as well as other viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and RSV. Vaccines are particularly important for individuals at higher risk of severe disease—including those aged 65 years or older, children under five years old, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying medical conditions like asthma or diabetes.
To support public awareness efforts during the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit containing fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials for communities and organizations to share information about respiratory illnesses.
Annual vaccination against flu is recommended for everyone six months of age or older. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health centers and local health departments. These can be given alongside COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations during a single visit. Residents can use the NCDHHS vaccine finder tool to locate nearby vaccination sites.
Early testing and treatment with antiviral medication can help prevent complications from respiratory infections if started soon after symptoms appear. Those who feel ill should contact their healthcare provider promptly to determine if prescription antiviral treatment is needed—especially people at high risk due to age or existing health conditions.
In addition to vaccination, NCDHHS recommends several precautions: frequent handwashing; avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues; staying home when sick except for seeking care; isolating within households when possible; not sharing personal items; and wearing masks around others when ill.
More information on accessing vaccines, testing or treatment—as well as weekly surveillance summaries—is available at MySpot.nc.gov through the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard.
