San Francisco well being officers this week reported the town’s first flu loss of life of the 2026-27 flu season.
The particular person was an grownup, in response to the San Francisco Division of Public Well being (SFDPH), however no different data was supplied.
Data from the California Division of Public Well being reveals 26 individuals have died so removed from flu statewide this season. It is unclear if this whole consists of the San Francisco affected person.
The deaths have occurred comparatively early within the respiratory virus season. In accordance with the official Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) tabulation, flu season would not begin for one more two weeks.
An influenza (flu) virus is proven.
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“This unhappy information reminds us that respiratory viruses corresponding to flu and COVID ought to be taken very significantly, particularly for people who find themselves at greater threat of getting sick,” Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco well being officer, mentioned in an announcement on Thursday. “With fall festivities approaching, we would like individuals to remain wholesome and do all of the enjoyable and joyful issues they wish to do. Vaccines assist make this occur.”
Present ranges of respiratory virus exercise nationally are listed as “very low,” in response to CDC data.
Though flu circulates year-round, instances sometimes enhance within the fall and winter months. The CDC advises that folks get their flu vaccine earlier than the top of October.
Everybody over the age of 6 months is presently eligible for a flu vaccine. Older adults — over 65 years outdated — could also be eligible for a better dose model.
The photographs can be found at most pharmacies and medical doctors’ workplaces. The flu vaccine is commonly freed from cost, with most medical insurance overlaying the shot.
The SFDPH additionally recommends staying updated with COVID and RSV vaccines in keeping with suggestions from the state’s well being division.
The up to date 2026-27 COVID vaccine is advisable for:
- These ages 6 to 23 months and ages 65 and older
- These ages 2 to 18 with threat components or by no means vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19
- These ages 19 to 64 with threat components
- Anybody who’s planning being pregnant, pregnant or postpartum
- Anybody in shut contact with others with threat components, together with healthcare employees
The RSV vaccine is advisable for:
- Beforehand unvaccinated adults ages 75 and older, and ages 50 to 74 with threat components
- Beforehand unvaccinated pregnant individuals 32 to 36 weeks gestation
Infants youthful than 8 months whose mom didn’t obtain a vaccine whereas pregnant and high-risk kids ages 8 to 19 months are eligible to obtain an injectable monoclonal antibody shot to guard in opposition to RSV.
