October 30, 2026
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department has confirmed the first pediatric influenza-related death for the 2026-2027 season. The child was reported to have underlying medical conditions but was too young to receive the influenza (flu) vaccine.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family. Losing a child to flu is a devastating reminder of how serious respiratory viruses can be, especially for our youngest and most vulnerable residents,” said San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Sharon Wang. “While this child was too young to be vaccinated, we can all help protect those who cannot receive the flu vaccine by staying up to date on our own vaccinations and taking steps to reduce the spread of illness.”
An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, so they are protected and less likely to infect others.
Public Health is monitoring flu and flu-like illnesses in the county, which are rising earlier in the season than expected. The department urges all residents to get vaccinated to help prevent severe illness and to protect others from infection.
The flu season typically runs from Nov.1 to April 30, with emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms peaking between December and February. However, flu activity for the current season began earlier than usual, marked by a pediatric flu-related death in October. In comparison, the first reported pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 season occurred in February 2026.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides updates on influenza-like illnesses through an interactive Respiratory Virus Dashboard that shows statewide and regional weekly respiratory virus data.
Respiratory viral infections like flu pose a risk to everyone, especially infants, pregnant people, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions who are at higher risk for needing hospitalization from these infections. It is important to stay up to date on vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones. CDPH recommends vaccination for flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19. These vaccines are safe, effective, formulated for the current season, and continue to be covered by insurance.
With the upcoming holiday season, more people are traveling; it is also a good time to review your vaccination status and get any updates needed, including vaccines that protect against measles, chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Please visit CDPH California’s Vaccine Recommendations.
What to do if you get sick
- Test and treat: Seek timely testing if you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19. Early antiviral treatment may be indicated in certain groups as it can help reduce severe illness.
- Stop the spread:
- Receive the annual flu vaccine, along with any other recommended respiratory virus vaccinations like COVID-19 and RSV as indicated.
- Stay home when you are sick to slow the spread of respiratory viruses.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If handwashing with soap and warm water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Other important preventive measures:
- Wear masks in crowded or high-risk settings.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Signs and symptoms of flu
- Typical signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- If you or a loved one experiences any of the following severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain
- Confusion
- Bluish lips or face
- Dehydration
- Typical signs and symptoms:
Vaccinate to protect yourself and your loved ones
- CDPH recommends an annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months and older, so they are protected and less likely to infect others.
- Pregnant women, children, older adults and those with chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are at higher risk for severe flu and should get vaccinated.
- Stay ahead of flu, RSV and COVID-19 this season. Vaccinate before the season peaks to reduce the risk of severe symptoms, hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. Vaccination remains beneficial even late in the season.
- Schedule a vaccine appointment by contacting your healthcare provider, contacting your local pharmacy or visiting myturn.cdph.ca.gov.
- If you are uninsured, underinsured or have Medi-Cal insurance, contact Public Health’s Federally Qualified Health Centers to schedule an appointment.
- Public Health is also hosting several flu vaccine clinics throughout the county. You can visit myturn.cdph.ca.gov to find a location near you.
For more information on influenza, visit the CDPH Influenza Page. If you have any further questions, please contact Public Health’s Communicable Disease Section by calling 800-722-4794 or by emailing CDS@dph.sbcounty.gov.