San Francisco reports first flu death of the 2026-27 season

San Francisco health officials have reported the city’s first influenza-related death of the 2026-27 season. The deceased was an adult, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip issued a statement noting that the death serves as a reminder to take respiratory viruses like flu and COVID seriously, particularly for high-risk individuals. Health officials are encouraging residents to utilize vaccines to maintain health during the upcoming fall season.

Data from the California Department of Public Health indicates that 26 individuals have died from the flu across the state so far this season. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that national respiratory virus activity is currently very low and the official flu season has not yet begun, deaths have been recorded relatively early in the cycle.