NC Department of Health and Human Services Offers Media Availability Following Increase in Flu-Related Deaths

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. to address the latest increase in flu-related deaths in North Carolina.

The NC Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard update today will show a significant increase in flu-related deaths. The Dashboard will show an increase of 63 flu-related deaths reported on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, bringing the total to 134 flu-related deaths so far this flu season including three pediatric deaths. Last year at this time, NCDHHS reported 74 flu-related deaths.

NCDHHS continues to urge all North Carolinians six months and older to get their seasonal vaccines and take protective and preventative measures to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy this respiratory illness season.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective means available to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from flu and other viral respiratory infections like COVID-19 and RSV. Flu vaccinations are especially important for children who are at higher risk of developing severe disease or complications, including those younger than 5 years old, especially under 2 years old, or anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

NCDHHS Medical Director of the Medical Consultation Unit Dr. Erica Wilson will be available to take questions from credentialed media about respiratory illnesses and the increase in flu-related deaths.

What:
NCDHHS Holds Virtual Media Availability

Who:
Dr. Erica Wilson, Medical Director, Medical Consultation Unit, Division of Public Health, NCDHHS

When:
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Media:
Credentialed media can RSVP to [email protected] to receive the Zoom meeting link.

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