Riverside County Reports First Flu-Related Death Of The Season

Health officials this week confirmed Riverside County’s first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season, which typically runs from October to April.

Officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS-PH), said the Western Riverside County resident who died was over the age of 65 and was not believed to have been vaccinated.

“This death is a sad reminder of the dangers that influenza can pose, especially among older adults and those with underlying conditions, and the impact it can then have on families who suffer the loss,” said Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky in a news release. “To protect our loved ones, it is important to make sure those at higher risk don’t delay getting a flu shot.”

According to current county data, influenza activity is low in Riverside County, though historic trends show flu season tends to peak in late December.

Health officials said influenza can be serious for individuals considered “at-risk,” including adults over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. For those who are otherwise healthy, flu can still cause extended illness.

“Now is the perfect time to protect against influenza,” Chevinsky said. “Vaccination is safe and flu vaccines are widely available. It is a simple step we all can do to protect those we care about as the holiday season ramps up.”

The California Department of Public Health encourages everyone over 6 months of age to get vaccinated every year and take precautions such as washing hands thoroughly and frequently, staying home from work or school when sick and disinfect frequently used surfaces.

RUHS-PH has a number of vaccine clinics coming up, which can be found here. More information on respiratory viruses, including influenza, can be found here.