SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Sacramento County Public Health reported its first flu-related death of the 2026-2027 season, the agency reported Wednesday.
The woman who died was in her 50s, had underlying chronic medical conditions and did not get a flu vaccination, SCPH said. She developed respiratory symptoms in mid-October and was diagnosed with Influenza A. The woman died a few days after being hospitalized.
SCPH also noted that this season’s first flu-related death came about a month earlier than last year’s first flu-related death of the season, which was at the end of November 2025.
“This is a stark reminder that the flu can cause serious illness and even death, but vaccination remains our best defense,” Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu said in a news release.
Citing a high circulation of the flu across California, SCPH recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get the vaccine.
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