Buncombe Doctors Urge Vaccination After Western Child's Flu Death

Health officials across North Carolina reported rising influenza activity after the holidays, and the state logged its first pediatric flu-related death of the 2025-26 season, a child from the western part of the state. The announcement, which also noted ten flu-associated adult deaths so far this season, prompted Buncombe County clinicians to step up calls for vaccination, early testing and common-sense prevention to limit further spread.

The surge comes as holiday travel and family gatherings increase opportunities for transmission. State epidemiologists reminded residents that influenza can be serious or deadly for people of all ages and recommended vaccination for those not yet inoculated. Last season’s pediatric flu deaths were the highest since the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic, underscoring the potential severity of seasonal influenza when circulation increases.

Locally, providers emphasize vaccination as the most effective protection. Vaccines are updated annually and can be administered at the same visit as COVID-19 shots. Buncombe County Immunization Clinic offers walk-in hours Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The clinic was closed Dec. 24–26 and Jan. 1. Residents should contact their primary care provider, local clinic or retail pharmacy about vaccine availability and whether simultaneous COVID-19 vaccination is offered.

Public health guidance focuses on layered precautions: thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, staying home when ill, and masking around others to reduce transmission. Early testing and antiviral treatment can reduce illness severity. Standing orders now allow pharmacists at retail locations to test for influenza and provide antivirals when clinically appropriate, increasing access to timely care.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services maintains weekly respiratory virus data on its Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard to track trends. For Buncombe County, rising influenza activity raises particular concerns for people at higher risk of complications, young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions, and for families facing barriers to care.

Beyond immediate prevention, clinicians and advocates point to systemic issues that shape who gets timely vaccines and treatment: transportation, clinic hours, insurance status and paid sick leave all affect a person’s ability to follow recommendations. Expanding outreach, maintaining convenient clinic hours and ensuring affordable access to vaccines and antivirals are practical steps local policymakers and health systems can take to reduce disparities and protect the community.