{"id":492367,"date":"2026-10-11T07:03:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T07:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/492367\/"},"modified":"2026-10-11T07:03:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T07:03:04","slug":"health-officials-urge-early-flu-shots-after-1st-flu-related-death-reported-in-san-francisco-influenza-and-covid-19-cases-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/492367\/","title":{"rendered":"Health officials urge early flu shots after 1st flu-related death reported in San Francisco; influenza and COVID-19 cases up"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Health officials are urging Californians to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible after San Francisco reported its first flu-related death of the season last week, earlier than during the previous flu season.<\/p>\n

Doctors say the early arrival of flu activity is a reminder not to delay vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19.<\/p>\n

“This is the time of year to do it,” said San Francisco resident Kerry Haley while receiving a flu shot.<\/p>\n

Health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated at pharmacies, neighborhood clinics and doctors’ offices.<\/p>\n

MORE: Expert tips for parents to prepare as flu season begins<\/a><\/p>\n

Haley said protecting herself is especially important because of her travel schedule. “I travel quite a bit for my work. I’d be a vulnerable person if I didn’t have it,” she said.<\/p>\n

The first flu death in San Francisco was reported last week.<\/p>\n

During the previous flu season, the city’s first flu death was reported in January 2026.<\/p>\n

For Haley, the news reinforced the importance of vaccination.<\/p>\n

“It’s so preventable hopefully for most people,” she said.<\/p>\n

According to California Department of Public Health data, 26 people in California have died so far this flu season.<\/p>\n

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UCSF professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist, said an early start does not necessarily mean a more severe season.<\/p>\n

“Even though it’s earlier it doesn’t mean it’s going to be worse but you now we all have a part to play in making sure we all stay out of the hospital as much as possible,” Chin-Hong said.<\/p>\n

Some residents said reports of flu cases have prompted them to schedule vaccinations.<\/p>\n

“I know somebody who has the flu now,” said San Francisco resident Patrice Holland.<\/p>\n

Holland said she plans to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.<\/p>\n

“I’m getting the COVID shot too–one in each arm,” she said, laughing.<\/p>\n

MORE: Here’s why experts say now is an ideal time to protect yourself from flu<\/a><\/p>\n

Doctors say they are currently seeing multiple viruses circulating, including influenza and COVID-19.<\/p>\n

“We have COVID now with flu at the same time,” Chin-Hong said.<\/p>\n

Healthcare providers are also seeing cases of enterovirus, which can cause fever and rash in children.<\/p>\n

“It can lead to neurologic complications, but it’s rare,” Chin-Hong said.<\/p>\n

With multiple illnesses circulating, physicians say vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of severe disease.<\/p>\n

“I think what it means is that people should get their flu shot sooner rather than later,” Chin-Hong said.<\/p>\n

Doctors say older adults, children younger than 6 months and people with compromised immune systems should get vaccinated as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

They note that it typically takes about two weeks for the body to develop the antibodies needed for full protection.<\/p>\n

As flu cases begin appearing earlier than usual, health officials say prompt vaccination can help reduce hospitalizations and protect vulnerable populations throughout the season.<\/p>\n

\"Now<\/a><\/p>\n

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