Greater than 900 Californians, together with 15 youngsters, have died from the flu this season

This yr’s flu season is off to a lethal begin.

Over 900 individuals have died from influenza for the reason that starting of October in California, greater than have died at this level in any of the final six respiratory virus seasons, in accordance with a report launched Friday by the California Division of Public Well being.

1 / 4 of these deaths have been amongst individuals underneath 65 years previous. Older people are typically essentially the most in danger, with about 700 individuals 65 and older dying to date this yr from the frequent virus. However at the very least 15 youngsters have additionally succumbed to the flu, together with 4 youngsters in San Diego County, elevating issues.

When in comparison with the information reported over the course of earlier flu seasons, the toll this yr has already exploded previous the totals from the final a number of flu seasons.

At this level of the season, Week 7, there have been about 500 deaths final season, and 600 the yr earlier than, however in each of these seasons the deaths had already began to plateau by mid-February. This yr, the variety of deaths has but to indicate indicators of slowing.

“It’s a surprise” mentioned Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco professor of drugs who makes a speciality of infectious ailments. He mentioned it was projected to be a mean season, however it’s turning out to be something however. And with take a look at positivity charges nonetheless excessive, there are at the very least a number of weeks left of the virus’s sending individuals to the hospital earlier than it retreats for its annual hibernation, which often begins as spring turns to summer season.

“It is surprising, first of all that we didn’t see much COVID, and secondly that we saw a lot of flu,” Chin-Hong mentioned. “And not just flu — bad flu which is making people seriously ill.”