HHS encourages prevention due to uptick in ND influenza activity

BISMARCK, ND (Jan. 8, 2026) - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages residents to take precautions as influenza activity remains high with newly reported influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths.

This season, 5,166 influenza cases have been reported to HHS. Of those, 1,481 cases have been in children under age 10. Across all age groups, there have been 383 hospitalizations for influenza and five influenza-associated deaths. Three of the deaths that occurred were adults, two were children younger than 10.

North Dakota previously experienced pediatric deaths in 2011 and 2016.

HHS uses national standard criteria when thoroughly investigating pediatric deaths due to influenza, COVID or RSV. To protect confidentiality, no additional information about these cases will be released.

While most people recover from influenza without complications, it can cause serious illness leading to health care visits, hospitalization and potentially, death.

Reduce your risk for severe flu and spreading flu to others

Influenza is a contagious virus spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches and runny or stuffy nose.

Ways people can protect themselves from severe illness and spreading the flu include:

Choosing to get vaccinated.
Getting tested early if symptoms develop.
Staying home when sick. Sick individuals can return to school, child care, work and other activities if they are feeling better and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.
Covering coughs and sneezes.
Washing hands often.
Taking influenza antivirals as prescribed.
Taking actions for overall health such as hydration, getting enough sleep, healthy diet and exercise.

Anyone six months and older can receive influenza vaccine. Nationally, 289 pediatric deaths were reported last flu season with 89% of children eligible for vaccination not fully vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe disease and reduce the risk of hospitalization and serious health outcomes from influenza. It is especially important for those at higher risk of severe illness such as children younger than five, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. Most people will only need one yearly vaccine. Children between the ages of six months and eight years need two doses of influenza vaccine given one month apart if it is their first time being vaccinated.

North Dakotans are encouraged to discuss vaccination with a trusted health care provider. Vaccinations are available through health care providers, pharmacies, or local public health units.

When to contact a health care provider

People who are sick with flu and at higher risk of complications should contact their health care provider promptly to discuss influenza antiviral treatment. Antiviral medication works best when started within two days of symptom onset to shorten the length of illness.

Most people who are not high risk for severe influenza can manage their illness at home.

Emergency symptoms of influenza in adults that require immediate medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Ongoing dizziness
Difficulty waking or confusion
Dehydration
Seizures
Worsening of existing medical conditions
Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency symptoms in children can also include:

Fast breathing or ribs that pull in with each breath
Gray or blue lips or nail beds
No tears when crying and a dry mouth, along with not needing to urinate
Symptoms, such as fever or cough, that get better but then come back or get worse

Learn more about influenza at hhs.nd.gov/health/influenza.

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