# Bay Area flu surge early this year

> Bay Area reports first flu death as flu cases spike early in season.
- Title: Bay Area flu surge early this year · Sfgate | Shortify
- Summary: Bay Area reports first flu death as flu cases spike early in season. Bay Area has first flu-related death this season with hospitalizations rising to 2.39…
- Keywords: bay area, flu, h3n2, san francisco, influenza, hospitalizations, vaccines, wastewaterscan, news, local, Bay, Area
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/bay-area-early-flu-22459890.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bay area, flu, h3n2, san francisco, influenza, hospitalizations, vaccines, wastewaterscan, news, local
## Flu death reported
San Francisco Health Department reported the season’s first flu-related fatality this week.
## Hospitalizations surge
Flu-related hospitalizations rose to 2.39 per 100,000 residents as of Saturday from 0.12 per 100,000 in mid-September.
## Health officer statement
San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip said flu and COVID should be taken seriously, especially for high-risk groups.
## Early flu activity
Influenza levels started rising in local wastewater last month with high levels in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Redwood City and San Jose.
## High positivity rates
California Department of Public Health data shows Bay Area flu tests have near-10% positivity rates this week.
## Early season warning
Dr. Monica Gandhi noted flu activity typically ramps up closer to winter holidays but this death is very early for the season.
## Early season impact
Dr. Matt Willis warned early flu activity could lead to shorter season or longer cases, with both flu and COVID circulating at high levels.
## Key takeaway

Bay Area has first flu-related death this season with hospitalizations rising to 2.39 per 100,000 residents.