Two Child Deaths Reported as County Flu Hospitalizations Reach 516

San Diego County health officials reported two pediatric influenza deaths this month as the 2026 flu season arrived earlier than the previous year. The County's weekly respiratory surveillance data shows rising virus activity, with elevated positivity rates concentrated among school-age children.

The two children who died were an 11-year-old with no prior health conditions and a 6-month-old with complex medical conditions. County figures place those deaths within a season total of 11 flu-related deaths and 516 hospitalizations. At the same point last year, the County reported two deaths and 86 hospitalizations, meaning hospitalizations are running about six times higher than the prior season's pace.

Positive influenza test rates have climbed sharply among children ages 5 to 17, according to the County's Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report. Health officials attribute the increase to rapid spread of the virus within that age group. County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH, said the deaths of two children are difficult to hear about, and he added that flu vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.

Pia Pannaraj, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, said her care team is heartbroken by the loss of the two young lives. She said keeping children vaccinated is the single best step parents can take to shield them from life-threatening illness.

Public health guidance recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Because the body takes about two weeks to build immunity after a shot, officials advise getting vaccinated as soon as possible, particularly for people with underlying health conditions. Vaccines are available at retail pharmacies, urgent care centers, hospitals and clinics across the region, and County public health clinics provide them for people without insurance. Scheduling is handled through the My Turn California Vaccine Scheduling & Information Site.

The County's Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report is published weekly and distributed as a downloadable PDF by subscription.