Riverside County Confirms First Flu-Related Death of the 2026-27 Season: Man Over 65 Dies as Flu Activity Reaches 'Very High'
Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH), the public health department of Riverside County, California, reported on November 3 the first influenza-related death of the 2026-27 flu season and reminded residents that vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against flu and other respiratory viruses. The individual who died, a man over 65, resided in Western Riverside County.
"This death is a sad reminder of the dangers that influenza can pose, especially to older adults, younger children and those with underlying conditions, and the impact it can then have on our Riverside County families who suffer the loss," said Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. "Vaccination is the single best prevention strategy to protect us and our loved ones from severe disease caused by the flu."
While cases usually ramp up around Thanksgiving and the winter holiday travel season, current data, including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, laboratory testing and wastewater testing, indicates that influenza is increasing rapidly and has recently reached the "very high" threshold, the department said. Flu season typically runs from October to April.
Influenza can be serious for everyone, but especially for individuals considered at-risk for severe disease, including adults over 65 years, children under 5 years, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Flu can lead to extended illness with symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches and fatigue, and can also lead to missed school days, lost work wages and out-of-pocket medical costs.
"With the early rise in cases, now is the time to make sure you are protected against influenza. Vaccination is safe and flu vaccines are widely available. Treatment is also available if you have been exposed to or diagnosed with the flu," Dr. Chevinsky said. According to the California Department of Public Health, everyone over 6 months of age should receive the flu vaccine each year. The department also encouraged the public to wash hands thoroughly and frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home from work or school when sick, consider indoor masking in crowded places, improve ventilation, and disinfect frequently used surfaces; those at higher risk who have been exposed or are sick should get tested and talk with their healthcare provider about treatment options. Vaccines can be accessed at healthcare providers' offices and many local pharmacies, and Public Health vaccination clinics are listed on the department's website.
Related: Pasadena Public Health Department Urges Flu Shots as California Cases Rise
(Source: Riverside University Health System)
Source: Riverside University Health System
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：免费流感疫苗接种诊所现场（资料图）。美国国防部 DVIDS 公共领域照片，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: A free flu vaccination clinic (file photo). U.S. Department of Defense DVIDS public domain photo, via Wikimedia Commons.
