San Francisco health officials Thursday reported the city’s first flu-related death of the respiratory virus season.
The person was an adult, but the health department did not disclose their age, vaccination status or whether they had underlying health conditions.
Flu season typically picks up in October and peaks December to February, and public health officials urge everyone over 6 months of age to get vaccinated before the winter holidays.
“This sad news reminds us that respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID should be taken very seriously, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting sick,” San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip said in a statement. “With fall festivities approaching, we want people to stay healthy and do all the fun and joyful things they want to do. Vaccines help make this happen.”
It was not immediately clear how many people in San Francisco died from the flu last season, 2025-2026, but 30 people died the previous season, 2024-2025.
In California, 26 people have died from the flu so far this season, according to state data.
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This article originally published at S.F. reports first flu death of season.