Two children died of flu-related causes in San Diego County in October, health officials announced Thursday, Oct. 29.

The deaths involved a previously healthy 11-year-old and a 6-month-old with complex medical conditions, according to the County of San Diego. The county's statement did not include the children's names or say where they lived.

The two pediatric deaths are among 11 flu-related deaths and 516 hospitalizations reported countywide this season. At the same point last year, the county had recorded two deaths and 86 hospitalizations.

"As a father myself, hearing about the deaths of two children is especially difficult and underscores the importance of prevention," county Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan said in the county statement. "Flu vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness."

Virus spreading fast among school-age children

The county's weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows a sharp increase in positive flu tests among children ages 5 to 17. Overall flu test positivity reached 13% in the week ending Oct. 24, 13 times its level at the same point last year, CBS 8 reported. About 30% of flu tests among children ages 5 to 17 came back positive, the highest rate of any age group.

Fewer than 11% of children in that age range had received this season's flu vaccine as of Oct. 24, according to county data reported by CBS 8.

"There's more of it, and it's coming earlier in the season than previous years," said Dr. Isha Bagga, a pediatrician at Sharp Rees-Stealy, in an interview with CBS 8.

When to call the doctor

Dr. Pia Pannaraj, an infectious disease specialist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, said in the county statement that hospital staff see "how swiftly severe infections can progress in children."

Bagga told CBS 8 that a fever is 100.4 degrees or higher. For older children, a fever lasting five days or longer warrants a doctor visit. For babies younger than 3 months, a temperature of 100.4 or higher means calling the pediatrician right away.

Parents should also watch for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, and breathing trouble that needs immediate attention. Bagga said parents should look for rib outlines showing when a child breathes fast, or nostrils flaring.

Where to get vaccinated locally

Health officials recommend flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. The body takes about two weeks to build immunity after a shot, so officials urge families to act soon.

Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, urgent care centers, hospitals and health clinics. County public health clinics offer vaccinations for people without insurance, and appointments can be scheduled through California's MyTurn website at myturn.ca.gov.

Locally, Scripps Health lists Scripps Coastal Medical Center Solana Beach as offering both adult and pediatric flu vaccines for the 2026-2027 season. Scripps Clinic Del Mar does not offer flu vaccination clinics, according to the Scripps website.

Bagga advised staying home with a fever and waiting until fever-free for 24 hours before gathering with family, especially ahead of Thanksgiving and the December holidays.