Charlotte, North Carolina, January 9, 2026
Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as the Carolina Panthers prepare for their first home playoff game in several years. The Panthers clinched their playoff spot as NFC South champions. Meanwhile, South Carolina grapples with the announcement of the first pediatric flu death of the season. Health officials are urging vaccinations amid rising flu cases, highlighting concerns about public health as the community gets ready to support their team in the playoffs.
Charlotte Sees Surge of NFL Playoff Excitement, While South Carolina Reports First Pediatric Flu Death of the Season
Charlotte, North Carolina – Local excitement has reached a fever pitch in Charlotte as the Carolina Panthers prepare for their first home playoff game since 2015, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. This comes as the team officially secured their spot in the NFL playoffs for the 2025 season as NFC South champions. The city’s mood is celebratory, marked by a vibrant Panthers mural in South End that has become a focal point of community enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, across the state line, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) on January 7, 2026, announced the tragic news of the state’s first pediatric flu-related death of the current season. This somber announcement serves as a critical reminder of ongoing public health concerns amidst widespread flu activity in South Carolina.
Carolina Panthers Gear Up for Playoff Challenge
The Carolina Panthers are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in a Wild Card playoff game this Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET. This significant matchup marks the Panthers’ return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Their qualification as NFC South champions was secured with the assistance of the Atlanta Falcons’ victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The anticipation for the upcoming game is palpable throughout Charlotte. A recently unveiled Panthers mural in the city’s South End district has become a symbol of this renewed community spirit, drawing attention and sparking widespread enthusiasm among fans eager to support their team’s playoff journey.
Public Health Alert Issued After Pediatric Flu Fatality in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the season’s inaugural pediatric flu-related death on January 7, 2026, involving a child from the Upstate Region. This adds to the 25 flu-associated deaths reported statewide as of January 3, 2026, bringing the total to 26 for the current flu season. The DPH has observed widespread flu activity across South Carolina in recent weeks, characterized by an increase in flu cases and hospitalizations. For surveillance purposes, the current flu season commenced on September 28, 2025.
Importance of Vaccination and Preventive Measures
Health officials in South Carolina are strongly urging all eligible individuals, particularly those 6 months of age and older, to receive their annual flu vaccination. It is emphasized that the body requires approximately two weeks after vaccination to develop adequate protection against the virus, highlighting the urgency of getting vaccinated promptly.
Beyond influenza, the DPH also notes the concurrent circulation of other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and measles. Preventive actions such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick are crucial in curbing the spread of these illnesses. Nationwide, annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications. Flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, and hospitalization, especially in vulnerable populations such as children under five and individuals with underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine, which does not cause influenza, is updated annually to combat evolving viral strains and is a key component of public health efforts to build community immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers are generating significant local excitement in Charlotte as they prepare for their first home playoff game since 2015 on Saturday, January 10, 2026. They have secured their spot in the NFL playoffs for the 2025 season as NFC South champions. A vibrant Panthers mural in Charlotte’s South End reflects this community enthusiasm.
When is the Carolina Panthers’ first playoff game?
The Carolina Panthers are scheduled to play their Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
What is the recent public health announcement in South Carolina?
On January 7, 2026, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the state’s first pediatric flu-related death of the current season. The death occurred in the Upstate Region of South Carolina.
How many flu-associated deaths have been reported in South Carolina this season?
As of January 7, 2026, a total of 26 flu-associated deaths, including the pediatric case, have been reported statewide in South Carolina for the current flu season. Prior to the pediatric death, 25 flu-associated deaths had been reported by January 3, 2026.
When did the current flu season begin for surveillance purposes in South Carolina?
The current flu season for surveillance purposes in South Carolina officially began on September 28, 2025.
What preventive measures are recommended during flu season?
Health officials strongly recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Additionally, practicing good hygiene such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick helps prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and measles.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers Playoff Status | Secured spot in NFL playoffs for 2025 season; NFC South champions. | Local (Charlotte-specific), Nationwide (NFL) |
| Upcoming Game Date | Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET against Los Angeles Rams (Wild Card). | Local (Charlotte-specific, home game), Nationwide (NFL) |
| Local Excitement | A Panthers mural in Charlotte’s South End sparks significant local enthusiasm. | Local (Charlotte-specific) |
| First Pediatric Flu Death (SC) | Reported by South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) on January 7, 2026. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Location of Pediatric Death | Child from the Upstate Region of South Carolina. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Total Flu Deaths (SC Season) | 26 flu-associated deaths reported as of January 7, 2026, including the pediatric case. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Start of SC Flu Season | September 28, 2025, for surveillance purposes. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Flu Vaccination Recommendation | Recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. | State-level (South Carolina), Nationwide |
| Flu Complications | Can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, hospitalization, and death, particularly in children under 5 and those with underlying conditions. | Nationwide |
| Other Circulating Viruses | COVID-19, RSV, and measles are also circulating. | State-level (South Carolina), Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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