North Carolina has experienced its first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season, a resident over age 65 in the western part of the state.

As is typical, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services did not identify the deceased person for privacy health reasons.

Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus are expected to increase over the coming months, DHHS said.

"This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal," State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in a news release.

"We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others."

The traditional flu season starts on

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