Flu And RSV Spike In CA, Marking State's First Pediatric Death

CALIFORNIA — Flu and RSV activity is increasing across California, as the state recorded 88 deaths from the viruses by the end of last week, including the first pediatric death of the season. Health officials are using people to get their flu shots ahead of the holiday season.

The flu-test positivity rate increased to 9.1% in California during the first week of December, the most recent period of time for which the California Department of Public Health released data.
Positive tests for RSV rose to 6.4% and COVID-19 positivity increased to 2.2% during the same period, according to state data.

So far this season, 72 deaths have been attributed to the flu and 16 to RSV. Most of those deaths were among people 64 or older, but the state recently recorded its first pediatric flu death of the season, according to CDPH.

COVID-19 continues to be the most deadly respiratory virus: The state has recorded 1,818 deaths attributed to the virus this season, the data shows.

All three respiratory viruses peak in the winter, and health officials say it's important to prevent infection.

“Flu and COVID vaccines can help keep you and your family stay healthy, happy, and together this holiday season,” CDPH Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said. “Vaccines lower your chances of serious illness, helping to make sure you and your loved ones can gather safely during the winter holidays.”

State health officials last week said that flu and RSV activity is "approaching moderate levels," while COVID-19 activity remains "low."

California’s flu spike is outpacing national trends.

Positive tests for influenza increased to 5.1% nationally for the week ending Dec. 7, according to the CDC.

The CDC noted two probable cases of human infection of influenza A(H5), better known as bird flu, reported last week.

The agency said there have been no cases of human-to-human bird flu transmission in the country, despite concerns over the virus’ presence in raw milk sold in California. Two cats in Los Angeles County died recently in what health officials suspect may have been cases of bird flu contracted from ingesting recalled raw milk.

Health officials say the holiday season — with its indoor gatherings, travel and higher stress — is likely to lead to a further uptick in the spread of respiratory illnesses.

"The infants, the toddlers, the elderly, those are the ones most susceptible to RSV. They can have respiratory complications," Huntington Health's Dr. John Rodarte told ABC 7.

State and federal health officials recommend a combination of vaccinations, masking, and good hygiene to mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses. CDPH outlined five key steps for prevention:

• Vaccinations: Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness, according to health officials. As of Dec. 2, only 11.3% of Californians have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine, while “many” who should receive a flu vaccine have not gotten vaccinated, according to CDPH.
• Stay home if you’re sick, test for COVID-19 and seek early treatment if you’re sick.
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when handwashing is not possible. However, some viruses can’t be killed with alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Ventilate indoor spaces.