San Francisco records 1st flu-related death this season

San Francisco has recorded its first flu-related death of the 2026-27 flu season, according to city health officials. The victim was an adult, but no further details were disclosed. San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) spokespersons emphasized the seriousness of respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19, particularly for those at higher risk.

Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco's health officer, stressed the importance of vaccines in preventing illness and enabling people to enjoy fall festivities safely. As of now, 26 flu-related deaths have been reported across California this season. While it's uncertain if the San Francisco patient is included in this total, the deaths have occurred earlier than usual in the respiratory virus season, which the CDC expects to officially begin in two weeks.

Currently, national respiratory virus activity levels are listed as very low. The CDC advises that individuals receive their flu vaccine before the end of October, as flu cases typically rise in the fall and winter months. Everyone above the age of 6 months is eligible for a flu vaccine, and older adults (over 65 years) may be eligible for a higher dose version.

Flu vaccines are often free of charge, typically covered by health insurance. The SFDPH also recommends staying up to date with COVID and RSV vaccines, with the updated 2026-27 COVID vaccine recommended for infants younger than 8 months (whose mothers did not receive a vaccine during pregnancy) and high-risk children aged 8 to 19 months, as well as an injectable monoclonal antibody shot for high-risk RSV cases.