North Carolina Records First Flu-Related Death of the Season — Health Officials Urge Caution
It’s a somber start to this year’s flu season: health officials in western North Carolina have confirmed the state’s first flu-related death of the season. The news serves as a painful reminder that what many dismiss as a routine illness can, in fact, turn deadly. But here’s the part most people overlook — last year’s flu season was one of the worst in over a decade, and experts warn this year could follow a similar path.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), an adult residing in western North Carolina passed away due to flu-related complications during the first week of October. The individual’s name and specific details were not released out of respect for privacy.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore expressed deep concern, calling the loss a stark example of how dangerous influenza can be. “This is a tragic reminder that the flu isn’t just a mild seasonal inconvenience — it can be serious, and in some cases, even fatal,” he said. Dr. Moore urged the public to take preventive measures seriously, such as getting an annual flu shot, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when experiencing symptoms to help prevent the spread of illness.
The warning carries weight after the record-breaking 2024–2025 flu season. Between October 5, 2024, and September 2025, 544 North Carolinians lost their lives to flu or flu-related complications — the highest toll since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. On a national level, pediatric flu deaths reached 280 during that same period, marking the highest recorded count in more than a decade.
In response to rising concern, a new law took effect last week allowing pharmacists across North Carolina to both test for and treat influenza without requiring a doctor’s prescription. Public health advocates have praised the move as a way to increase access to timely care — but others question whether it shifts too much medical responsibility to pharmacists. Could this approach help reduce flu-related deaths, or might it create new risks?
The question now is how prepared we truly are for another potentially severe season. Have enough people gotten vaccinated early? And will the public take these warnings to heart after seeing last year’s grim statistics?
What do you think — are we doing enough to fight the flu, or should the state be taking stronger steps to protect its residents? Share your thoughts below.
