Feb. 20. NCDHHS recently reported two pediatric flu-related deaths, the first for the 2024-2025 flu season. According to the Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, North Carolina has seen a rise in flu cases in combination with continued COVID-19 activity.

Flu vaccinations are 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, or those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

The CDC recommends all children ages 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Parents should also talk with their health care provider about options to protect infants from severe RSV disease, including vaccines for pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing and treatment in your community, visit vaccines.gov/en, flu.ncdhhs.gov or covid19.ncdhhs.gov.