Just in time for school to be back and vacations coming to an end after a two-week holiday break, a nasty flu season is here and leading health professionals to issue warnings – and advice.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported that flu-like activity is high to very high in most states, and very high throughout North Carolina and most of the Southeast.
According to the N.C. Department of Health & Human Services, 16.5% of hospital emergency department visits statewide were for influenza-like illnesses during the last full week of 2025 – more than triple the rate over the same period a year earlier.
Closer to home, according to the Erlanger Center for Infectious Disease, there is a significant surge of flu in its service region, which includes Cherokee County. Meanwhile, Asheville-based Mission Health started limiting visitation at its facilities starting on New Year’s Eve.
Cases are predominantly Flu A, Erlanger reported, a respiratory viral infection caused by infection with the influenza A virus H1N1. Erlanger is exceeding the 10% positive threshold.
The vaccine
People who have not yet received the influenza vaccine are urged to do so immediately, according to health professionals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, this year’s (2025-26) flu vaccine is a trivalent shot, protecting against three main viruses: an A(H1N1), an A(H3N2) and a B/Victoria lineage virus.
Although the H3N2 component doesn’t perfectly match the newer “K” variant, it still offers crucial protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death, according to the CDC.
Experts stress getting vaccinated despite the mismatch, as it builds antibodies to fight circulating strains and significantly reduces severe outcomes, especially with the rise of the mutated H3N2 subclade K, according to the CDC.
Hospitals
Mission Health hospitals and affiliates were temporarily limiting visitation to two visitors per patient. Only those ages 13 and older are permitted to visit at this time in order to protect the most vulnerable patients.
Exceptions to the restriction will be considered in cases such as end of life or pediatric patients.
“There has been an increase in reported influenza-like illnesses throughout North Carolina,” Mission Health announced in a release. “According to the N.C. Public Health Division, the influenza-like illness activity in the state has reached more than 6%, and local transmission has increased.”
This precaution is being implemented at all Mission Health hospitals, including Mission Hospital in Asheville, CarePartners in Asheville, Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.
Visitor restrictions will remain in place until reported flu-like activity decreases.
“We understand these restrictions may pose a hardship for some, but our utmost concern is for the health and safety of all our patients and our entire community, and we implement restrictions only when absolutely necessary,” Mission Health announced.
Erlanger, which also operates Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center
in Peachtree, warned that the flu season is serious business.
“Influenza should be taken seriously during the winter months,” said Dr. Jensen Hyde, chief medical officer for Erlanger. “Erlanger wants everyone to take precautionary measures to ensure our patients and community are in good health during this season.”
Helpful tips
Mission Health urges people who become ill with symptoms of the flu to stay home and maintain helpful respiratory etiquette such as covering a cough or sneeze and handwashing.
If symptoms worsen, seek medical care. If you need help deciding if you or a loved one should go to the ER or visit an urgent care or walk-in clinic, Mission Health offers a Consult-A-Nurse line at 844-706-8773. This is a free service to help understand symptoms and learn about options.
Erlanger encourages the following safety measures to prevent flu:
- Influenza vaccination: A flu shot may not always prevent someone from catching the flu, but influenza vaccinations lessen symptoms and potential hospitalization.
- Good hand hygiene practices: Use alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water to maintain good hand hygiene.
- Respiratory etiquette: Cover your cough with a tissue or use your elbow.
- Stay home: Especially if you have symptoms.
- Avoid crowded areas: If unavoidable, consider wearing a mask.
Feeling sick?
- Signs of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and, in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in children.