As holiday travel and gatherings ramp up, officials share practical tips to help residents stay healthy through the season.

The current season’s flu-related deaths in North Carolina set a new state record since 2009, with total fatalities reaching 542 so far.

State Epidemiologist emphasizes that vaccination is the most important protection against flu and notes it’s not too late to get vaccinated as the season intensifies in North Carolina.

Officials urge early testing and antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals, alongside practical measures to reduce transmission like hand hygiene and masking.

NCDHHS provides online resources including vaccination location finder, a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit, and a weekly respiratory virus summary dashboard to support the 2025-2026 season.

Vaccination is especially vital for high-risk groups, including adults 65+, children under 5, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions.

Influenza A (H3N2), particularly a subclade K strain, is the predominant circulating virus globally and in North Carolina, though the vaccine continues to protect against severe illness.

Vaccines, testing, and treatment options are available through MySpot.nc.gov, with ongoing statewide updates on the NC Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard.

Statewide flu activity is rising, with three new deaths this week bringing the season total to nine, though the season’s pediatric deaths remain at zero.

NCDHHS recommends staying up-to-date on flu vaccines and other respiratory vaccines like COVID-19 and RSV to prevent illness and spread.

Public health guidance emphasizes hand hygiene, avoiding touching the face, disinfecting surfaces, covering coughs/sneezes, staying home when sick, masking around ill individuals, and using separate spaces at home when possible.

Public health officials point to holiday travel as a factor in the surge and stress the need for vaccination and preventive practices during this period.