In just a short time, the number of deaths from influenza has abruptly risen. Almost a week ago, officials had reports that there were already 39 influenza-related deaths this flu season in North Carolina (NC) alone. That number, in just less than a week, has almost doubled. Being recently in the hospital myself, I can tell you that in Hoke County, NC, the number of patients with the flu was beyond concerning.
NC’s Previous Flu Season: Over 500 Deaths
During the last flu season, there were 542 deaths caused by the flu in NC. That marks the most deaths from the flu since records began in 2009. As of today (January 9, 2026), 41 states are considered to have “high flu activity”. The state of NC now has 71 flu-related deaths this season. Nearly every age category has already seen from the flu this season.
Age is still factored in when assessing the risk of any infectious disease, but having the elderly and the young both affected by the flu is more than anticipated this year. Many officials still believe the lack of vaccination plays a major role in the surge in flu cases nationwide. Many also believe the lack of vaccinations has a lot to do with a political agenda pressuring the nation into sheepish decisions.
New Hotspots In NC
At the very start of the year, several counties were already considered flu hotspots. At the time, those counties were Mecklenburg, Wake, Onslow, and Buncombe. While they are still top-ranking counties for influenza transmission, Ashe and Watauga have now been added to the list. With an estimated 2,000 or more flu cases statewide, vaccinations are being imperatively urged.
Do you know what I did this week, other than spend more time in the hospital than I’d like to admit? I got my flu shot. Personally, I don’t care what any politician says about vaccines. I care more for my health and the health of others than I do any pompous person’s blabber. Being in the hospital ER was not only frightening because of what I was going through, but I was also having to worry about catching the flu. Numbers are surging, and any time I was awake, all I could hear was sneezing, coughing, and more.
Where Can You Get Vaccinated?
There are a number of places you can get a flu vaccine, whether or not you have insurance. The cost of a flu shot ranges from $20 to $130, but there are places you can go where the cost isn’t so scary. In NC, you do not need medical insurance to get vaccinated against influenza. There are programs offering low-cost vaccinations, and some locations in the state offer free vaccinations.
No matter what state you live in, there are ways to get yourself protected from the flu, and in turn, protect others as well. GoodRX has information that is beyond helpful for getting vaccinated. You can call your local health department, your primary care doctor, or check with local pharmacies. In short, protection is out there, no matter who you are or where you live.
Making An Effort Together
Whether you are reading this from NC or elsewhere, I hope that the statistics and information on how to get vaccinated at little to no cost have made you think. For my readers who are local to my state of NC, let’s work together this flu season to have fewer flu-related deaths than we had in the previous year’s season. Remember, the flu is not only airborne, but can linger on contaminated surfaces of all kinds. Let’s make an effort together this flu season!
