NC DHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season

Residents encouraged to get vaccinated.

The NC Department of Health & Human Services is reporting the first flu-related death of the 2024-25 flu season. An adult in the Charlotte metropolitan area died due to complications of influenza during the second week of October.

Influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming weeks. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections.

Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine. RSV vaccinations are also recommended to protect older adults 75 years and older, adults 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV and pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants.

To find a vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.