8 Dead From Flu And RSV In CA As Cold And Flu Season Arrives Early – Patch

Nov 3, 2023 4:43 pm PST | Updated Nov 3, 2023 4:47 pm PST

CALIFORNIA California recorded its fifth influenza death of the fledgling flu season this week, but it's another virus raising alarms for health officials up and down the state.

Respiratory syncytial virus infections better known as RSV is unusually active for this time of year. Infections across the state are up and three RSV deaths have been recorded so far. Health officials expect cases to increase in the coming weeks.

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Current RSV activity "is more similar to activity seen later in November and December, compared to seasons prior," a California Department of Public Health spokesperson told Patch. "RSV activity has been starting earlier than usual during the past three RSV seasons."

It's a worrisome post-pandemic trend that could portend another vicious cold and flu season particularly for the very young and very old, for whom RSV is most deadly.

The first vaccines licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV were approved earlier this year. The immunizations are recommended for those 60 and older or pregnant. There is a more limited supply available for infants and toddlers, according to state health officials.

"As with all immunizations, CDPH encourages individuals to check with their healthcare provider to determine which are available for them and their families," CDPH said.

In the Meantime, flu cases across the state remain minimal or low, though deaths and infections have increased slowly but steadily in recent weeks.

Of the five flu deaths so far this season in California, four were people 65 or older. One person was between 50 and 64 years old, according to CDPH data released Friday.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone over the age of 6. It's best to get them in September or October, but if you haven't gotten a shot yet, you should still get one, the CDC said.

The makeup of the flu vaccine varies annually, which means some years' vaccines are more effective against the year's strains than others.

"There is evidence that this years flu vaccine will be a strong match for circulating strains," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement.

In the Southern Hemisphere where the winter flu season just ended the vaccine reduced the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations by 52 percent, according to the CDC. Health officials say that bodes well for the vaccine's effectiveness in the Northern Hemisphere.

And as flu and RSV cases pick up, the CDPH say COVID-19 cases have decreased in recent weeks. But especially because cases typically increase in the winter, officials are urging Californias to get an updated booster shot.

"We encourage Californians to boost their immunity now by getting vaccinated or boosted in preparation for a potential increase in winter cases like we saw last year. Immunization prevents serious illness, including hospitalization and death," CDPH said.

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8 Dead From Flu And RSV In CA As Cold And Flu Season Arrives Early - Patch